Some 40 acres of land south of the Sunrise Lake subdivision in New Palestine is being eyed for new homes. (Kristy Deer | Daily Reporter)
Kristy Deer | Daily Reporter
NEW PALESTINE — Around 300 acres of prime land in various places in the New Palestine area is attracting attention from potential developers. Several builders have informed town officials they are interested in building new homes and perhaps an apartment complex or condominiums.
Some 118 acres is located on the northwest corner of County Roads 500W and 300S, near the new roundabout; and another 104 acres is located southwest of the New Palestine Elementary School/New Palestine High School campus, both just outside of the town’s limits. An additional 40 acres is located on the west side of Bittner Road and to the south of the Sunrise Lake housing development inside town boundaries; while a 50-acre plot behind the new Hancock Wellness Center is also being eyed. That land also is outside town limits.
“Right now, everything is still speculative, but we’ve got to get the word out there that there is major interest so we don’t get caught on our heels,” town manager Jim Robinson said.
Bill Niemier, president of the New Palestine Town Council, said it’s good to know about developers’ interest so town officials can shape future plans.
“Any growth is positive as long as it’s managed,” Niemier said.
Niemier noted most of the land that can be developed is just outside of the town’s boundaries and will be overseen by county planners. Officials hope to work closely with the county as plans for the areas take shape.
Any new developments will have to hook up to the town’s wastewater treatment plant, giving town officials a little leverage on the developments.
“We can’t sit around and wait until the day something is signed,” Robinson said. “We need to be proactive and make sure we have a good understanding of what developers are thinking.”
Robinson has put forth some ideas with housing developers, letting them know the town wants to see quality construction and amenities like parks and even dog parks.
He has recommended that developers close to purchasing land should present plans to the town council and get recommendations and approval before moving forward with county officials.
“People are interested, and I’d say they are in the process of wanting to develop in these areas,” Robinson said.
Town officials said at least two major developers have looked closely at the 104 acres near the school campus for new subdivisions. Another home builder is expressing interest in adding over 300 new homes in the northwest quadrant of 500W and 300S. The town has also heard word of developers interested in building an apartment or condominium complex behind the new wellness center.
Hundreds of homes already are in the works in new subdivisions along 500W north of town, the main road heading into and from town.
Robinson recently told the council about the interest in the parcels so town leaders can be ready to work with county officials on what it wants the town and surrounding area to look like.
“I just want our council to know people are hungry when it comes to this area,” Robinson said. “We’re talking about a lot of homes.”
