BOONE COUNTY, Ind. (July 13, 2022) — The Boone County Commissioners have awarded a contract to land use planner Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA). The firm will assist Boone County in creating a planned unit development (PUD) ordinance in response to the proposed project by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) northwest of Lebanon.
Local governments use a PUD as a tool to define and regulate proposed development. It is an ordinance to guide developers on permitted uses and design standards. The PUD ordinance will provide for commercial, industrial, residential, and agriculture uses along with community amenities.
“The Commissioners believe hiring a professional outside firm is the best way to protect and promote the interests of our citizens, particularly those affected in the unincorporated areas,” said Boone County Commissioners President Jeff Wolfe. “The proposed development needs to be fully vetted, and we also need to ensure we are listening to stakeholders and landowners in the community.”
In the event the development moves forward, REA also plans to help update Boone County’s Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Plan.
The Commissioners and REA will be hosting stakeholder meetings which will include individual members of the community, school districts, public safety officials and municipalities.
The PUD is in response to the LEAP project (Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace) being proposed by the IEDC. Eli Lilly and Co. announced in May that they would become the first potential user, investing $2.1 billion into new facilities.
“We have heard constituents’ concerns about the environmental impacts of this proposed development. Aspects of the PUD ordinance will specifically address environmental sustainability, preservation, and developmental flexibility,” said Commissioner Tom Santelli. “Additionally, the PUD will focus on compatibility with existing public amenities.”
The Commissioners believe responsible growth can be only achieved through conscientious and deliberate planning.