The Fishers City Council on Monday approved a rezoning request for the proposed Memory Story Cottage facility, despite opposition from nearby residents and several homeowners associations.
The measure passed on a 6-1-1 vote. Council President John DeLucia abstained, Cecilia Coble voted no, and Councilor Tiffany Ditlevson was absent.
Coble said she understands the need for memory care services, noting that close family members have required such care. However, she said her vote was based on safety concerns, specifically the grading of Brooks School Road at the proposed location, which she said has already contributed to traffic accidents.
The Memory Story Cottage will be a 7,500-square-foot facility housing no more than 12 residents at any given time. The residents will be individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related illnesses. Staffing levels are expected to range from two to three caregivers on site.
At the Plan Commission public hearing earlier this month, a handful of speakers supported the project, but most voiced opposition. The Plan Commission, which serves in an advisory capacity, declined to make a recommendation to the Council.
In other business Monday:
— The Fishers Health Department will begin offering sports physical exams for a $25 fee.
— The maximum hourly wage for part-time Health Department employees was set at $60.
— A proposal to modify land use at the IKEA site received first reading and will move to the Plan Commission for a public hearing in March.
— An update to the city’s thoroughfare plan also received first reading and will advance to the Plan Commission for a March public hearing.
— The Hamilton Southeastern High School We the People team was honored for winning the state championship and will advance to national finals. Coach Janet Chandler was recognized for her upcoming retirement, marking her final year leading the team.
— The city also recognized employees from several departments for years of service:
35 years
Anthony Holland
Jim Alderman
Greg Scheele
Stephen White
25 years
Michael Zajdel
20 years
Michael Hamilton
Robert Hackett
Jeffrey Stephenson
Thomas Brooks
Melissa Crowe
