Supporters say a proposed amendment to city zoning regulations will promote development of senior housing not only downtown but throughout the city.
They might be right.
Critics of the plan, though, fear that the goal of the change is to shut off public debate on a controversial project.
Zoning regulations currently require that a developer obtain a special use permit for housing on the first floor of any downtown building, and obtaining such a permit requires an appearance before the Logansport Board of Zoning Appeals.
Developers proposing a four-story senior housing complex at the corner Fourth and Market streets ran into trouble at that stage in the process when the BZA rejected their application.
Opponents objected to the location of the development, saying that the lot and an adjacent park were an important part of a public gathering place in the center of town. Nearby businesses also complained that the plan suffered from a lack of off-street parking.
Arin Shaver, the city-county planning director, rejects the idea that her office is trying to limit public discussion. She points out that the farmers market project would have had to go before the BZA even under the new regulations. And she argues that the proposed amendment isn’t aimed at pushing through the farmers market project.
“These rules would apply to any project,” she said last week.
Developing senior housing in Logansport is a good idea. It’s a particularly good idea to develop such housing downtown, where an influx of residents should lead to a boost in commercial activity. People who live downtown will likely spend money downtown, not only supporting the businesses already in place but perhaps inspiring new businesses to set up shop.
Opponents don’t argue that point. Most seem to agree with the concept of developing more housing downtown.
They argue, though, that the southeast corner of Fourth and Market streets is not the place to develop that housing. And they say changing the rules to make it easier for developers to avoid an appearance before the BZA won’t change that.
City officials ought to listen these dissenting voices. Regardless of whether the planning commission and ultimately the city council approve this new ordinance, officials should back away from the idea of a senior housing project at Fourth and Market streets.
Opinion
OUR VIEW: City should listen to critics
- Opinion
-
-
SOUTHERN: District boundaries show lack of respect
I can imagine no real reason why a county like Cass would be split up into three districts except to show it a lack of respect.
-
OUR VIEW: Are you prepared for a disaster?
As you read today’s final installment on disaster preparedness, which focuses on earthquakes and their very real threat right here in Indiana, we hope you take the message to heart and make the decision to prepare yourself. If you don’t, no one else will.
-
KNISELY: What are odds of that?
As you read this, I’ll be basking in the warm sun on a Florida beach. I’m not sure where you’ll be when reading this, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be coming out the winner. Seems only fair considering I was moving boxes in the rain just a few Sundays ago.
-
PUBLIC FORUM: Minimize our risk before making bet
A Logansport letter-writer calls a local proposal to generate energy from refuse-derived fuels a risky gamble.
-
PUBLIC FORUM: Thanks for making event a success
A Big Brothers, Big Sisters representative is grateful for the community's support in a recent fundraiser.
- THORNS & ROSES: Week of May 16
-
WOLFSIE: Writing on the walls
Sometimes when I am trying to think of an idea for my column, I just stare at the wall. That’s not a bad thing, because on the wall in my home office is a collection of special pieces of memorabi-lia that inspire me to write, reminding me of the talented people I have had the privilege to meet.
-
HAYDEN: From good to great in education not the way
On the campaign trail last year and early into his administration, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said repeatedly that his goal as governor would be to take Indiana from “good to great.”
-
THEIR VIEW: Big Brother looms large in D.C.
The federal government, working under the cloak of secrecy, has been having a heyday at the expense of all Americans.
First we learn the IRS has been targeting conservatives — applications for tax-exempt status by tea party groups were wrongly singled out for extra scrutiny. -
KITCHELL: Waste-to-energy a big waste of time
Had all of Logansport attended the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists Awards ceremony last month in Indianapolis, we all would have learned that the No. 1 editorial written in the state in the past year was about a subject that sounds familiar to Logansport residents.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
SOUTHERN: District boundaries show lack of respect
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
