Joinder Referendum Committee Recommends “NO” to Referendum

A study committee of Fall Creek Township residents is recommending that all residents of Fall Creek Township vote “NO” on public question #2 appearing on the November 4^th ballot.  Referendum question #2 asks, “Shall the Township withdraw from joinder with the City of Noblesville, for planning and zoning purposes?”.

The Study concluded that a “NO” vote means Fishers will retain local zoning control allowing Fishers to plan for its future growth; a “YES” vote means a loss of local control to the County which presently does not have zoning controls in place.

“The Committee collected and evaluated a variety of information to issue a thoughtful and objective report to assist voters in understanding the implications of the vote they cast,” said Mario Massillamany, Committee Chairman.  “We think Fall Creek Township will be better served by local control of zoning and planning so weve concluded ‘NO’ is the best choice.”

The Committee concluded that it is in the best interest of all residents of Fall Creek Township to vote ”NO” on the referendum which will allow Fishers to retain local zoning control instead of ceding control to the Country through a ”YES” vote.  A ”NO” vote means the Noblesville Joinder implemented through Fishers will continue to provide planning and zoning functions in the unincorporated areas of Fall Creek Township in order to properly plan for the growth of Fishers.

The joinder agreement establishes zoning control for the Township area.  Since Noblesville signed an agreement allowing Fishers to implement the Joinder, withdrawing from Noblesville would end local zoning control by Fishers.  If withdrawn, Hamilton County would automatically take over zoning control.

A ”YES” vote means zoning will revert to the jurisdiction of Hamilton County.  Since there is no county zoning for Fall Creek, Hamilton County must establish zoning and development controls for the township.  In the interim, there may be periods of time when no zoning or land use controls are in place.    The committees rationale for a ”NO” vote:

• Keeping higher zoning standards Higher zoning standards will be implemented through Noblesville/Fishers zoning, serving the best interests of all Township residents, both annexed and unannexed.
• Keeping taxes low.  Nearly $2 million in impact fees from new development could be lost since the County does not require such fees.  Because impact fees ensure fiscally responsible development and lessen the tax burden associated with growth, this could eventually result in higher taxes for Fishers and Fall Creek taxpayers.
• All registered voters in Fall Creek Township will have an opportunity to vote on the referendum whether living within or outside of town limits.
• Retaining control over the future of Fishers.  Its likely Fall Creek will eventually be annexed into Fishers, and it would be unwise to shift zoning control to the County to plan for the future of this area.  The Fall Creek Township Trustee stated he wants Fishers to plan and zone this area and that can only continue if the Joinder with Noblesville is kept.
• Continuing Fishers representation.  More local representation is present on local Plan Commission and Zoning Board if the Noblesville/Fishers area Joinder is continued.
• Retaining larger and experienced staff.  Professional staff of 31 will continue to serve the Township if the Noblesville/Fishers Joinder is maintained versus Hamilton Countys staff of 6.
• Planning smart.  Money Magazine ranked the Town of Fishers 10^th in the nation. They described Fishers as an example of “smart planning and sheer livability” to other communities.

Last August, the Fishers Town Council appointed eight citizens to serve on the Fall Creek Township Referendum Study Committee.  Four of the members are residents of incorporated Fall Creek Township while the remaining four members reside in unincorporated portions of the township.

The Committee members are:

• Rick Bassett (unincorporated resident)
• Todd Bracken (unincorporated resident)
• Kris Conover (unincorporated resident)
• Todd Halkyard (incorporated resident)
• Jeff Hern (unincorporated resident)
• Aunna Huber (incorporated resident)
• Mario Massillamany (incorporated resident)
• Gregg Puls (incorporated resident)

The Town Council asked the committee to objectively study the issue and issue a report so residents of Fall Creek Township can make an educated and informed decision regarding the referendum question.

“It’s important that people not be confused by the misleading wording of the question.  Voters should ask themselves whether the planning and zoning of their community should be done by Fishers or the county,” Massillamany added. “Voters favoring local control and professional planning should vote ”NO” to referendum question number two.”