Public opposition centers on Oinking Acres and traffic as APC continues Hawks Landing conditional rezone to May 28

The Advisory Planning Commission opened the advertised public hearing on PCCZ‑24‑3 (Hawks Landing entrance annexation and conditional rezone) on April 28 and continued the item to a special session on May 28 after extensive public comment. The proposal seeks a conditional rezoning to R‑3 upon annexation for a 5.56‑acre parcel owned by Connection Point Christian Church, intended to add up to seven residential lots and to match zoning on adjacent land already proposed for R‑3.

Staff explained that conditional rezones apply only if the land is annexed and that staff finds the request generally consistent with the town’s future land‑use map and UDO standards; staff estimated the project would likely enter permitting in late 2026 or 2027 under current timelines. Staff emphasized the practical constraints that led to the change from an earlier Hawks Landing concept—state (INDOT) refusal of an additional entrance on State Road 267 and significant engineering and environmental constraints for a bridge across the local creek driven by fluvial erosion zones and long‑term maintenance concerns.

Developer representative Ed Freeman of David Weekley Homes described the 5.56‑acre proposal as an in‑fill parcel that would yield up to seven additional residential lots and said the firm will meet UDO requirements for lot widths and architectural standards. Freeman said the company would meet town landscaping and amenity requirements when the project returns for platting and that he was willing to meet neighbors and the sanctuary representatives to discuss mitigation measures.

Public comments were numerous and sustained. Olivia Head, founder and president of Oinking Acres Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, said the proposed entrance and houses would abut her fenced animal enclosures and that construction noise, increased traffic and future complaints under municipal governance would jeopardize the sanctuary’s ability to provide quarantine and long‑term care for vulnerable animals. Head said she had declined a previous request from the developer to buy a small portion of her front yard and asked the commission to deny annexation and rezoning.

Other nearby residents and community members voiced concerns about vehicle volumes and safety along County Road 800 North and State Road 267, potential loss of mature trees and rural character, effects on property values, and strain on schools and infrastructure. Several people described regular congestion at the Bethesda/soccer fields and cited instances of dangerous driving at the 800/267 area. Multiple speakers urged commissioners to prioritize the sanctuary’s operations and requested mitigation measures if the project moves forward.

The applicant provided a traffic study summary in the hearing: the study reported an AM peak additional entry of about 17 vehicles and AM exits about 50; PM peak additional entry of about 56 vehicles and PM exits about 33 (the study numbers represent the additional peak-hour trips the proposed western parcel would generate and were prepared for roughly 90 homes on the west side scenario). Staff and the developer said they have discussed a turn‑lane improvement at the 800/267 intersection and have been coordinating with Hendricks County and INDOT; staff and the applicant acknowledged county and state approvals will be required for any road work beyond the town limits.

After public comment the commission voted to suspend its normal rules and allowed eight additional new‑information speakers. Commissioners then voted to continue the conditional‑rezone/annexation hearing to the planning commission meeting on Wednesday, May 28, to allow the applicant time to meet with neighbors and Oinking Acres representatives and to supply additional information on ingress/egress, buffering and the traffic analysis.

No final rezoning or annexation decision was made; the continuation moves the application forward in the town’s public review process and will return to the commission with additional materials and stakeholder responses.