Split council OKs controversial Noblesville apartment project

The Noblesville Common Council voted 4-2 on Tuesday to allow a $55 million apartment community planned for 37 acres just north of the Hazel Dell Crossing retail center.

As IBJ reported last month, Indianapolis-based Maefield Development’s proposal for the 611-unit complex at Hazel Dell Road and 146th Street stirred controversy among neighbors concerned about its impact on traffic, schools and property values.

Several spoke out against the plans at Tuesday’s council meeting, and members peppered the developer and city staff with questions about the project before their vote.

City engineer John Beery told councilors he did a “quick and dirty” traffic study, concluding that the existing infrastructure could support the development. Councilor Rick Taylor said public safety leaders also are comfortable with the plans. “We built a fire station out there for growth,” he said.

Taylor said he reviewed Maefield’s proposal in-depth and believes it’s a “good project for Noblesville.”

“We try to do our best for the city and hold down taxes,” he said.

Maefield is planning an upscale community of one- and two-bedroom apartments with resort-like amenities such as poolside cabanas, sand volleyball courts and a hammock zone intended to appeal to young professionals.

Rents would range from $900 to $1,850 per month.

Construction is expected to start next spring and continue in three phases, with about 200 apartments coming on line at a time. Maefield representative Kelly Mulder said the project could be complete within three years if demand meets expectations.

Council members Mark Boice and Brian Ayer voted against the measure; Steve Wood was absent.