Realtors get go-ahead nod for new site

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Ivy Tech Community College may not be the only building project to appear on an under-developed stretch of highway across from Greencastle Middle School.

Local real estate firm Carpenter Realtors gained one of two necessary approvals from the city Monday night that will allow them to be the first of perhaps several future business establishments to occupy space next to the college campus.

In April Carpenter officials petitioned the city to rezone 1.25 acres of residential land, located on the southeast corner of Ind 240 (Southern Highway) and Tennessee Street, to Professional Business to allow for the construction of a 3,500-square-foot building to house their operations.

On Monday, members of the Greencastle Plan Commission voted 8-1 to give a favorable recommendation to Carpenter's request but not as it was initially presented. Prior to this week's meeting, city officials asked Carpenter to seek the support of surrounding neighbors to have their properties included in the rezone request, which they did except for one property owner.

Provided the City Council accepts the recommendation, the entire triangle -- bordered by Tennessee Street, First Street and 240 -- will move from residential to professional business. Allowed uses include churches, daycares, data processing centers and parking lots.

Current homeowners would be allowed to stay in their homes, but sale of the properties would be subject to the new zoning.

Connie Cooper, managing broker for Carpenter, said she is pleased with the board's decision, especially since it is so close to the Ivy Tech site. She believes it will be good for the city's image to develop those two areas next to each other.

"That whole area is going to change," she said.

If approved, Carpenter will construct a 3,500-square-foot office building by year's end. They could be moving dirt by September, Cooper said.

She said the site is large enough for one or two additional buildings for potential tenants.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: