Indianapolis-based Ambrose Property Group is asking Hancock County to rezone land at the northwest corner of I-70 and 300W that would pave the way for industrial development, like the 750,000-square foot building with 276,000-square foot expansion depicted in this site plan.
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HANCOCK COUNTY — An Indianapolis developer with several large buildings operating, underway and planned in the western part of the county wants to continue expanding its presence there.
Ambrose Property Group is asking Hancock County leaders to rezone over 80 acres at the northwest corner of Interstate 70 and County Road 300W from agricultural to industrial business park.
The firm wants to build a logistics facility or facilities on the site.
A plan filed with the county shows a building over 750,000 square feet expandable to another nearly 276,000 square feet.
The site is just east of property on which Ambrose Property Group has plans for three large speculative buildings, meaning occupants have yet to be secured.
The site is also southeast of a business park the firm has developed that houses an Amazon fulfillment center, Progressive Logistics, U.S. AutoForce and another building slated to come online this summer.
“The proposal is consistent with other development in the area, the county comprehensive plan and the development trend generally occurring in the area,” Ambrose Property Group said in its statement of intent filed with the county.
Ryan Gallmeyer, vice president of development for Ambrose Property Group, told the Daily Reporter in an email that the proposed development is speculative.
“Ambrose believes in the continuing momentum of industrial development in the Mount Comfort area of Hancock County based on a number of factors, including direct access to I-70 and a high-quality labor pool, and we look forward to continuing our efforts working with local officials to bring new businesses and job opportunities to the community,” Gallmeyer said.
The Hancock County Area Plan Commission was scheduled to consider the rezone request on Tuesday evening but continued it after receiving an updated conceptual plan late in the day and wanting more time to review it.
Hancock County’s comprehensive plan calls for business park use on the site Ambrose Property Group seeks to rezone. Mike Dale, executive director of the county plan commission, noted in a report that the developer’s proposal is consistent with the county’s long-range plan that supports industrialization of the area. However, he continues, the site is next to County Road 300W, which isn’t intended for heavy traffic or high traffic volumes. Dale’s position on the rezone is favorable as long as 300W is modified to the satisfaction of the county highway department.
But that road modification may not be entirely necessary. After meeting with neighbors living near the site and hearing concerns, Ambrose Property Group is open to several commitments, including restricting traffic on 300W except for emergency vehicles. The firm adds it would create a private street on the property its developing to the west, allowing traffic to come from County Roads 300N and 400W.
The developer also proposes higher berms throughout the property than the county requires and using exterior lighting that minimizes spillage over property lines.
Several neighbors have filed correspondence with the county expressing concerns and opposition to the proposal, including Sandra Hudson.
“The current emphasis of Hancock County officials on encouraging and facilitating this unbridled industrial growth, unfortunately, has been fueled by those who wish to profit from turning good agricultural ground into an industrial business park rather than those seeking the best for Hancock County,” Hudson wrote.
