Industrial Park Project Faces Backlash From Residents
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Plans for a major industrial complex in Hobart are receiving criticism from nearby residents. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report Becknell Industrial, which has an office in Carmel, is looking to rezone more than 150 acres for light manufacturing.
Becknell plans to build six industrial buildings totaling more than 2 million square feet of space. The developer says the project could bring hundreds of jobs and about $200 million in investment to the city.
During a meeting of the city’s plan commission last week, residents expressed concerns that the project would lead to increased traffic, noise and light pollution, and decreasing property values.
Ethan Frisch with Becknell said the project would include buffering the site with landscaping and other methods, and the buildings would be set back between 300-500 feet from nearby neighborhoods, according to the publication.
Frisch also addressed questions about similar projects the developer has done across the country and how nearby property values were affected.
“Generally with investment and jobs, the values stayed the same or increased, but I understand the concerns of the neighbors,” said Frisch.
The commission deferred a decision on the rezoning until its March 3 meeting. If approved, the Hobart City Council would then make a final decision.