Auburn, Indiana Development News

Council Rejects Rezoning Proposal from Residential to Industrial District After Public Concern

The council considered an ordinance to reclassify the zoning of lots 1 through 12 of block nine of Aubrey L. Kman addition and the east half of the vacated rightway of Hazel Street from R3 high-density single family residential district to I1 tech district. Public comments expressed concerns regarding the impact on the neighborhood's character, aesthetics, potential disturbance of soil and chemicals, and increased traffic and noise. The planning director explained the history of the property, including past contamination remediation by IDEM and restrictive covenants prohibiting agricultural and residential use. He stated that the current residential zoning makes the property unusable, and the proposed industrial zoning aligns with the city's 2040 plan. The council debated whether 'employment center' in the 2040 plan referred to industrial or commercial uses, and the difference between commercial and industrial zoning. Concerns were raised about the lack of buffer zoning between industrial and residential areas, the potential for property values to decrease, and the property owner's rights. Ultimately, the ordinance failed on first reading with a vote of three nays and two yeas.