During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised about the Cove development project in Zionsville, particularly regarding its location in a floodplain. A commission member highlighted that the development was approved years ago but has faced numerous problems. They expressed strong opposition to building in or near flood-prone areas, emphasizing the risks associated with increased density in the project.

The member pointed out that the proposed plan could allow for more than the originally approved 24 townhomes. They noted that the previous plan included elevating some homes, which could lead to taller structures that may overshadow neighboring properties. The speaker conducted research on flood risks and found that Zionsville is already at moderate risk for flooding. They warned against having basements in such areas and mentioned the high costs and challenges of obtaining flood insurance.

The discussion included recommendations from Indiana's flood management guidelines. These suggestions urged communities to avoid developing in flood hazard areas, ensure public disclosure of risks to potential buyers, and improve local drainage systems. The speaker criticized the current drainage infrastructure in Zionsville as outdated and insufficient.

Concerns were also raised about the use of fill dirt in construction, which could worsen flooding by blocking necessary storage space in the floodplain. The speaker cited alarming statistics, noting that homes in flood zones have a significant chance of flooding over a 30-year mortgage period, while the risk of fire is much lower.

The member concluded by questioning how the town would protect existing properties if development in the floodplain continues. They supported the recent recommendations from the Zionsville Residents Association to reconsider the development plan, urging the town to prioritize long-term flood resilience in light of climate change. Additionally, they briefly mentioned concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.