Some protest apt. plans, tie trash fee to other issues

THFD Chief Jeff Fisher

​The Terre Haute City Council met until late last night to discuss some hot button issues with residents, including possible eastside development, a proposed trash service fee and the city Fire Department budget. 

The first item on the agenda brought before the council members -- a rezoning request by a developer to build luxury apartments across from Deming Park and near Ohio Boulevard --brought the most antagonism from the large crowd in attendance. A group of neighborhood residents filled the City Hall Courtroom for the Sunshine meeting, with several voicing opposition to the plans.

Many in the audience described their neighborhood as a park-like environment along the boulevard. They say the area is a "true gem" for the community, where on many days you can see couples strolling hand-in-hand or residents casually tossing fisbees. Some said they are fearful of what an apartment complex will bring to their serene lifestyles and they worry about preserving the character of their "historic treasure."

Attorney Jeff Lewellyn and developer for the complex, Brad Emmert, argued that the 130-unit building project will not adversely affect the area and noted that similar housing options and several professional and retail businesses are already in the vicinity. They also pointed out changing lifestyle trends among younger people who desire apartment dwelling.

The meeting followed a special presentation by THFD Chief Jeff Fisher, who has felt pressure to elaborate on staffing and budget issues by some council members, especially regarding $1 million-plus in overtime work hours by firefighters last year. The discussion escalated later, after Mayor Duke Bennett gave his own presentation during the Sunshine meeting for a proposed solid waste fee of about $12.50 per month for residents. Some in attendance tied the city budget challenges directly to the cost of public safety, particularly what many believe is an overstaffed and overpaid Fire Department.

In fact, one woman in attendance, Eileen Lee, of South 21st Street,  looked directly at Chief Fisher after some others claimed they are already struggling to survive day-to-day as it is, going as far to allege they don't have basic necessities such as food to eat. 

"We've asked the Mayor to make cuts, we've asked him to make proposals -- we've given the Police Department and the Fire Department everything, and then some," she said. " No one pays for my food.I'm glad you guys eat on us, I'm happy for you."

Councilwoman Amy Auler asked Fisher later about whether or not food is included for staff and he responded no.

Councilwoman Martha Crossen has been outspoken about the cost of public safety while the city attempts to make up for a $2.6 million financial shortfall elsewhere. She alleges administrative effort to make up for the deficit has come too late.

"I think we've waited until we absolutely cant wait any longer ( to find additional revenue.) 'We can't say to our constituents, 'because we didn't do this three years ago or five years ago like many other communities, so now in seven days, you have to vote on it,' or 'you have to do it this way, because it's the easiest way,' I don't think that's fair either."

Mayor Bennett noted that waiting has been beneficial in that the city has learned from experiences of neighboring communities with similar issues when they implemented their own trash fees.

Fisher's earlier presentation included statistics on fire responses and other calls for service. He also discussed manpower, training and compensation. Basically, he says the staff is busy.

"When somebody says that we sleep and eat half the time, and lay on our back -- these numbers prove that we're busy," he said, adding, "When we go on these runs, someone is in jeopardy; somebody's hurting, somebody's house is on fire, somebody's in a wreck."

A vote on the solid waste fee and rezoning ordinances will take place next Thursday during the regular council meeting at City Hall at 6 p.m.
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Attorney Richard Shagley discusses $25 million student housing project with City Council/Lucy Perry Photo

The council will also take action on the following items next week:

• Rezoning of property located at 220-224 N. Third St. Attorney Richard Shagley says a developer plans to build a $25 million student apartment complex at the former Boys and Girls Club site.
• ​Vacating alleys related to the above proposal.

• Rezoning of property located at 1330 Lafayette Avenue
• Rezoning of property located at 410 Davis Avenue.
• Rezoning of property located at 2056 N. Fourth St.
• Vacating an unimproved east-west public right-of-way and easement at Sycamore Terrace Apartments and New Margaret Drive.
• Rescinding a resolution for a nine-year property tax abatement for Deming Renaissance.

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