Lebanon looking to expand reach
BOONE COUNTY-Lebanon’s borders could double in size by the end of the year, if a proposal to annex land on the south side of the city is approved.
The area encompasses 3,600 acres, or six square miles. It straddles both sides of Interstate 65 from the southern edge of Lebanon to just north of State Road 267, which is the northern edge of the sprawling Anson development.
Mayor John Lasley, who took office in January, wants Lebanon to be prepared for growth Anson is likely to create along the I-65 corridor.
“I don’t want to get to the point where
Lebanon is looking out [its] south door and seeing development that may or may not be the kind we want to see,” he said. “We want to have a say.” Approval of the annexation would take at least six months and involve several steps, including conducting public hearings with affected property owners who could remonstrate against the recommendation. Indianapolis-based accounting firm H.J. Umbaugh & Associates Inc. has been hired to prepare a fiscal analysis. It will cover expected growth, population density, zoning and tax issues, and the estimated cost of providing police and fire protection. The City Council must approve the proposal.
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