TERRE HAUTE —
Vigo County officials have set Thursday as the day they will give Woodgate subdivision residents a decision on a neighboring development to which those residents strongly object.
Many Woodgate residents are questioning the legality of construction in the Cobblestone Crossing complex south of Terre Haute.
About 50 people from Woodgate attended Tuesday morning’s session of the Vigo County commissioners to ask for a stop-work order on construction in the Cobblestone Crossing development.
The Woodgate residents contend that the developer is building multi-family apartments in an area that was zoned only for single-family residences and condominiums.
Residents stated that the apartments are adjacent to single-family homes in Woodgate, with no proper buffer, and have resulted in a loss of property value for the Woodgate homes.
Resident Mike Poinsett told commissioners Mike Ciolli, Paul Mason and Judy Anderson that he thinks the executive director of the county’s area planning department exceeded his authority in approving the apartments in an area that was not zoned for apartments.
County attorney Michael Wright said the commissioners are reviewing the history of the development, which received planning approval about seven years ago.
“I don’t think anyone in this room will dispute this is a complicated situation,” Wright said.
Under pressure from those attending the meeting as to when an answer will be given on what action the county will take, if any, Wright responded, “Thursday!”
Resident Rick Wheeler questioned the notification process used by the developer to let the public know about a change in construction plans. Wheeler disputed that a sign was ever posted on the Cobblestone property, and said the legal advertisement was missed by many residents. Otherwise, people would have been aware of any rezoning requests or changes to the development plans of the property long before construction began.
Another resident, Charlie Williams, said the homeowners have tried to negotiate with the developer, trying to reach an agreement that will protect the Woodgate area, while also allowing development of Cobblestone Crossing. Until the last few days, however, the developer has not responded, he said.
Williams asked the commissioners to put a stop to the construction on seven multi-unit apartment buildings that are being built on 23 acres zoned as single-family residential. And he said he hopes the work is stopped before people start moving into those buildings.
“What is guiding your decision not to take action? Not to issue the stop work order?” Williams asked.
Those questions received the applause of the audience.
Commissioner Ciolli said that personally, he feels the commissioner are trying to look out for everyone, not just the 350 residents of Woodgate who oppose the Cobblestone project.
“We want to make sure we are doing the right thing,” Ciolli said.
Wright told the group that he will speak with the commissioners about the issues, and that an opinion will be announced on Thursday.
Reporter Lisa Trigg can be reached at 812-231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com. Follow her on Twitter @TribStarLisa.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Pointed comment: Woodgate resident Mike Poinsett talks to Vigo County commissioners Tuesday morning. About 50 Woodgate residents showed up at the weekly commissioners meeting to voice opposition to continued construction of multiple family units at Cobblestone Crossing.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis In my back yard: Construction on the multi-family units in Cobblestone Crossing comes close to the backyards, as close as 25 feet in some cases, of Woodgate residences.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Let’s talk: Attorney Michael Wright (left) talks with Vigo County Commissioner Mike Ciolli during the weekly commissioners meeting Tuesday morning. About 50 Woodgate residents were present, voicing their opposition to continued construction of multiple family housing at Cobblestone Crossing.
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Answers please: Woodgate resident Charlie Williams asks: “What is guiding your decision to not issue a stop work order?” He was addressing the Vigo County commissioners over the issue of continued construction of multiple family units at Cobblestone Crossing.
Discussion
Woodgate residents make plea to commissioners
County attorney promises response on issue by Thursday
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