Friday, March 28, 2008


Is an 88′ tall 7-story hotel an appropriate development for the northeast corner of West 71st Street and Marsh Road? I can remember the horsefarm that preceded Chestnut Hills. Its beautiful farmhouse nestled in mature trees is now a centerpiece of the custom housing development. The owner of the land to the south, Sourwine Development, was able to convey a considerable amount of land to INDOT for interstate off ramp rights of way after selling a site to Bob Evans. Hotel is probably an appropriate use but rezoning is required. The remaining land is zoned commercial and approved for an extended stay hotel not to exceed a height of 35′. There is some concern about the intensity of a facility over twice the previously approved height being placed there. Neighbors have asked to see a computer graphic rendering depicting the shadows cast by the new structure to the adajcent neighbors to the north. PTRA will hear from the developer, Drury Hotels, at their next regularly scheduled meeting on April 9 at 7:00. PTRA meets at the government center at 56th and Lafayette. Traders Point Association of Neighborhoods (TPAN) has not taken a position.