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Commission approves fence and wall retention at 1565 North Park Avenue with stipulations
Summary
The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness and a variance to retain fencing and a masonry wall at 1565 North Park Avenue (Old Northside) that encroached into the clear sight triangle, subject to stipulations and an inspection deadline.
The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness and a variance of development standards allowing existing fencing and masonry wall at 1565 North Park Avenue to remain despite encroaching on the clear sight triangle.
Applicant Anton Centarski said safety and recent neighborhood crime motivated the fence and wall: "My number 1 concern is pretty much safety... We've had drug deals happening right in front of the house, literally... I have had my truck stolen from in front of the property." He described the fence as transparent and argued the porch and setback mean the installation does not create an unsafe condition.
Staff had prepared a backup recommendation to approve with stipulations after initial concerns. Staff noted the clear sight triangle exists to maintain visibility for moving vehicles and pedestrians but concluded the fence, by design and location, allowed sufficient visibility given the one-way traffic flow and the fence's openness. Staff recommended approval with conditions including completion of any required changes by June 4, 2025, and an inspection by IHPC staff.
Commission comments varied: some members expressed concern about precedent and the usual midway placement of a six-foot privacy fence, while others said the fence is consistent with nearby installations and does not materially impede sightlines for vehicular traffic. Commissioner David Baker said he drove the site and did not find the fence "terribly bad," noting the fence's location on the sidewalk rather than set back is the primary difference from other nearby fences. Commissioner Anson Keller expressed concern about lower pickets potentially obscuring sightlines for small children or bicycles.
The commission approved staff's recommendation and the variance subject to the staff stipulations and inspection; the transcript records the approval passed with recorded dissenting votes and one abstention in the roll count. The commission directed the owner to coordinate any required adjustments with IHPC staff and noted the owner remains responsible for compliance with building and other applicable codes.
Stipulations include completion of any changes required by the commission by June 4, 2025, and notifying IHPC staff for inspection.
The decision allows the current fencing arrangement to remain with conditions intended to balance the owner's safety concerns and public sightline requirements.
