The proposed rezoning of approximately 37 acres of farmland near Interstate 65 and 101st Avenue into a light industrial business park is moving forward despite objections from residents in a nearby subdivision.

The Crown Point City Council heard from numerous residents at Monday’s meeting, who expressed concerns over truck traffic, light and sound issues and large buildings blocking their horizon. They were also concerned with the impact on their property values.

After about two hours of discussion, the council voted 5-2 to approve the rezoning on first reading, moving the matter to a second, and final, reading.

A prior motion to table the measure and allow for more discussion failed by a 4-3. The matter had come before the council with a favorable recommendation from the Crown Point Plan Commission.

Attorney Jim Wieser, representing the developer of the proposed Venture Park 65 development, reminded the council that if it does not take action within 90 days to either approve or deny the rezoning, the law requires that the Plan Commission ruling stands.

Wieser told the audience that while the residents’ concerns were valid and would be fully addressed in the planning phase of the project, there is no actual evidence that the development would cause any particular detriment to the adjacent residential community. He stressed that the Plan Commission had made an informed decision and that a business park is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan.

The developer, Mark Goode of VentureOne Real Estate in Rosemont, Illinois, described his plan to place two large industrial buildings on the site that would be used primarily for warehousing with the possibility of light assembly but no heavy manufacturing.

Goode said he would be willing to meet with residents to address their concerns, and was amenable to erecting sound barriers, a berm, fencing and landscaping to shield the operation from the subdivision. Extending Mississippi Street through the property is another possibility, which would include traffic signals and turn lanes to alleviate traffic.

Goode noted that he does not yet own the land, indicating he would move forward with the knowledge the city would eventually approve the rezoning to allow for the development.

“We’re willing to work with the neighbors in a way I think will make them happy,” he said.

The area falls in a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, so local property taxes could fund some of the infrastructure improvements.

Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.