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Developer withdraws Broad Ripple apartment complex plans

UPDATE

The developer of a proposed apartment project in Broad Ripple has withdrawn its plans, according to a letter from the counsel for the developer issued Dec. 26.

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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Some new development could be coming to Broad Ripple: a 164-unit apartment complex. 

The proposal would lead to the demolition of several buildings near East 62nd Street and College Avenue. 

The proposal has some excited about the potential for Broad Ripple, but others fear the headaches that could be coming.

To have this development become reality, zoning changes are needed. The proposal needs approval not only from the community’s Broad Ripple Village Association but also the City-County Council. 

Tuesday night was about the community getting its questions answered about what the development could mean for them. It happened at the land use and development committee for the association. 

Tim Oaks with Ice Miller Legal Counsel, representing the Buckingham Companies property developers, gave a presentation regarding the rezoning of eight properties in the 6200 blocks of College and Carrollton avenues. The area includes houses, some that have been converted into businesses. Plans call for a five-story, mixed-use building in and around the music venue, Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave. It would remain and not be part of the proposal.

“It’s quite frankly imperative that we increase the density in terms of number of residential units in hte area,” Oaks said of the area. 

He said the space the developers have planned would have greater potential for commercial development. Plus, he said, more traffic could be coming to College with the IndyGo Red Line rapid transit bus route. 

It’s the second time the developer has presented to the Broad Ripple association. Oaks said the developers took critiques from the first meeting to heart. But, Tuesday came with an avalanche of other concerns. 

“There’s a problem for extremely high rent for businesses along Broad Ripple Avenue,” said Steve Chaillard, whose family lives next to proposed development.

He said he fears the renovated space would cause a spike in rent for small businesses, making it less affordable. 

Other issues brought up include traffic in neighborhoods, access to a well-used alley, and losing the community’s identity. 

“The last thing a residential area should look like is a downtown-type atmosphere,” Chaillard said. 

The developers said they’ll work on these suggestions for the next Broad Ripple association meeting in January as they continue to search for support from this community.