Land use designation gets approval by Floyd County Plan Commission

Discussion

August 18, 2009

Move opens door for Harley Davidson store in Highlander Point corridor

By CHRIS MORRIS The News and Tribune Tue Aug 18, 2009, 01:37 PM EDT

The Floyd County Plan Commission paved the way Monday night for a Harley Davidson retail store to open in the Highlander Point corridor.

The plan commission voted 5-4 to change the land use for an automobile sales and indoor services store in a general commercial area from conditional to permitted. The change allows businesses which fall in that category to open without having to “jump through as many hoops,” as described by one board member.

The first vote for the land use change was 4-4-1. But after further discussion, Don Loughmiller joined Steve Bush, Callie Potts, Bill Gibson and Charlie Zipp in voting in favor of the change.

A Harley Davidson shop is wanting to open in Lafollette Station near the Taco Bell in what is designated a “gateway district.” The shop will sell motorcycles, Harley Davidson merchandise and perform minor repairs.

Bush — who also is a Floyd County Commissioner — said the store could generate $3 million a year in revenue and employ 15 people. He said it will draw visitors to the area who will spend their money in Floyd County restaurants and businesses.

Bush also said prior to the vote that neighboring counties — Clark and Harrison — already classify such a business as permitted.

“This is not a grease pit,” Bush said. “I think we are at another crossroads. This is a way to attract people to our area. I don’t think this will hurt the area.”

Member Larry Boaz said he had nothing against Harley Davidson stores, but doesn’t think one would be compatible with the businesses already located in the area. He also worries about events like special sales, which may bring in hundreds of bikers to the location.

But Bush said that would be no different from the ride Friday, led by Gov. Mitch Daniels, which attracted several bikers or the many motorcycle charity events each year.

Resident Carol Lamb disagreed. She said she recently visited a elderly lady in Kentucky, and the two had to stop their conversation because of motorcycle noise.

“It was a nuisance. Would you want one next door to you?” Lamb asked board members. “I think the correct kind of commercial needs to go into the correct space.”

Potts asked board members what was the difference from motorcyclists visiting the Harley Davidson store to those getting gas across the street. They all make the same noise in the same area.

However, board member John Schellenberger said the noise could decrease the home values in the area.

The land use change only pertains to general commercial areas.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

• The board allowed a 12-month extension to the Glenwood Farms Inc. development along Grant Line Road.

The development calls for 172 single-family lots — along with patio homes, condominiums and a business area — on 162 acres which currently houses a training facility for thoroughbreds. Developers hope to break ground next spring.

SO YOU KNOW

• VOTING FOR LAND USE CHANGE

Don Loughmiller, Steve Bush, Callie Potts, Bill Gibson and Charlie Zipp

• VOTING AGAINST

Glenn Riggs, Larry Boaz, John Schellenberger and Tom Springstun

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Business/Money

New Albany City Council will be asked to clarify audit issue over sewer rates
Several members from the audience also questioned other financial matters of the city, and whether the council was aware that Gibson received health insurance as city attorney under England though it had been stated by the previous administration his contract did not include medical benefits.

February 10, 2012
River Ridge moves forward with development plans
No sale has been finalized on either piece of land, as River Ridge owns the 16-acre parcel, and the adjacent 54-acre tract is owned by Crossdock Development, a Louisville-based company that specializes in developing properties on the order of millions of square feet.

February 10, 2012
Town has no cure for ailing medical center
February 10, 2012 1 Photo
First Savings buys bank branches
The move will increase First Savings’ market share in Harrison County to about 31 percent and up the bank’s presence in Floyd County.

February 9, 2012
Free falling: CCE demolishes former New Albany business at no charge
February 9, 2012 1 Photo
Paying their fair share?
John Gilkey, president of the town council, said when Knott initially shared the information with him a few weeks ago, he was surprised to learn some residents weren’t paying any taxes.

February 9, 2012
Neace Lukens acquires Jenkins Insurance of Sellersburg
Jenkins Insurance principal Mike Jenkins will join the Neace Lukens’ New Albany office, where he’ll focus on his current employee benefit clients and expanding service and product platforms for the company.

February 8, 2012
Some lawmakers want you to cruise in for Sunday commerce
The current ban on motorcycle sales is a remnant of Indiana’s old “blue laws” that prohibited various activities on Sundays. The legislature has been slowly chipping away at them.

February 8, 2012
Checkered past: Cab company’s permit suspended in New Albany after employee arrests
“We’re not an evil company,” White said after the meeting.

February 8, 2012
Jeffersonville mayor, council disagree on hiring
Moore said he would veto the legislation, but include a recommendation that the three already hired positions be funded. Zastawny said the council would consider that recommendation.

February 8, 2012
More Business/Money Headlines

Business/Money

Search Results

Discussion

Land use designation gets approval by Floyd County Plan Commission

Move opens door for Harley Davidson store in Highlander Point corridor

Site Map

Contact Us