The Fishers Plan Commission has had the same president for about 30 years, Warren “Butch” Harling. But Mr. Harling died this week. So, the question was, who would replace Warren Harling with the Plan Commission gavel?
Commission members made more history with that selection: Local attorney Howard Stevenson was voted unanimously as the commission’s new president, the first African American to hold that post.
“I want to thank my colleagues on the board for the confidence they have in me,” Stevenson wrote in a Twitter message following the meeting. “I also want to thank my predecessor, the late great Warren Harling. There’s no way I can fill Warren’s shoes, but I’ll walk the path he paved to make our great city even better.”
The commission members had a moment of silence in memory of their long-time president, Warren Harling.
Stevenson was appointed to fill out a term on the Hamilton Southeastern School Board, but narrowly lost the election to Mike Bottorff in 2016. Mr. Bottorff resigned his school board seat before his term ended.
Stevenson was voted to remain on the Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals. Fishers City Councilman Pete Peterson was elected Plan Commission Vice President.
The commission voted a favorable recommendation on two projects Wednesday night.
Mann properties is proposing a senior living project located on the east side of Parkside Drive, between 126th and 131st streets, at 12915 Parkside Drive. Mann is asking a text amendment to the Planned Unit Developed, amending the parking requirements and minimum unit square footage. Mann is also requesting an amendment to the landscaping requirements that apply to the entire development.
A general idea of how a future restaurant in the Marina Village development near the Geist Waterfront Park would be designed. (Graphic provided)
The Marina Village development near the Geist Waterfront Park requests a text amendment, allowing for a future restaurant, and other site improvements, including the relocation of the existing entrance to align with the City’s Geist Waterfront Park on Olio Road. Commission members asked petitioner Gordon Byers to address parking, fencing and potential noise issues with the city planning staff before the request is considered by the Fishers City Council.