PLYMOUTH – The Plymouth City Council heard from 19 individuals Monday evening as it took up the first reading of the voluntary annexation and rezoning ordinance for nearly 900 acres on the city’s northeast side — one of the most debated proposals the council has faced in years.
In addition to the public speakers, six letters of support and five letters of opposition were read into the record.
Those who spoke against the annexation and rezoning raised a range of concerns. Some said they weren’t opposed to growth but felt the location wasn’t right, and worried there was no clear picture of what types of businesses could come to the city and their neighborhood.
Others expressed concern about the impact on the tax base in North Township and whether their fire department would be forced to purchase additional equipment and pay for additional training to serve new industry in their territory.
Some residents felt the city was moving too fast, while others feared the loss of farmland. Still others accused the city of gambling on the annexation and rezoning — hoping industry would come but noting that similar efforts had not been successful in the past.
Those who spoke in favor of the annexation and rezoning pointed to the location as a major advantage, citing access to Veterans Parkway and proximity to U.S. 30 and U.S. 31.
Others said the project would benefit both the city and the county by bringing in new, higher-paying jobs. Several speakers praised Indiana Tool for its track record of innovation, noting that the company has already created new spin-off businesses and that the innovation district would allow that process to continue.
As with any ordinance presented to the Plymouth City Council, the voluntary annexation and rezoning ordinance was read by title only on first reading, and no additional action was taken by council members.
The council will be asked to vote on the ordinance at its next meeting on Monday, November 23rd.
