As Hamilton County continues its dramatic population growth, it is inevitable that our towns and cities will expand their city (or town) limits to the point that they reach or intrude on the boundaries of their neighboring communities.
Some communities have accepted intrusion by a neighboring city, but some are not so interested in seeing their territory annexed by a neighbor.
Adams and Jackson Townships are currently considering incorporation with the towns of Sheridan (Adams) and Cicero (Jackson) to head off any possible ‘invasion’ by Westfield.
It seems that Hamilton County’s massive sewer and water utility, dubbed the Bakers Corner Project, will likely result in major business and housing development along the U.S. 31 corridor in the northern part of the county. This would include unincorporated territory in Adams and Jackson Townships. (U.S. 31 is the dividing line between the townships.)
The assumption is that Westfield will annex this corridor with its tax paying development to enhance the city’s size and tax base. Westfield has not officially revealed any plans for taking control of the corridor.
Currently, Sheridan and Adams Township are working on the idea of township-wide incorporation. A referendum by voters would be needed to make this happen. Jackson has been in discussions with Cicero on the same approach. No agreement has yet been reached.
The deadline for getting a referendum on this fall’s ballot is Aug. 1. Public notices would be required in advance of the election. There are local examples of a city moving into township territory.
Noblesville has annexed parts of Wayne and Fall Creek Townships and even a small piece of Delaware Township. These annexations have not resulted in any opposition.
Several years ago, Carmel showed interest in annexing portions of Washington Township. Whether to stop any such move or for other reasons, Westfield took in a substantial area stretching to the Boone County line which had the effect of sealing its southern boundary at township line between Clay and Washington.
Carmel worked for years to annex all of surrounding Clay Township, and finally succeeded when unincorporated Home Place gave up a decade-long court battle opposing annexation.
Columnist Fred Swift has worked in newspapers for decades. He has been sharing his opinions in the pages of The Reporter since it began. Email him at swiftfred19@gmail.com.
I think this story represents much of what is going on. Very little. The assumption is that Westfield is annexing yet they have no plan to. Both adjacent municipalities fear being overrun but are doing the minimum to combat it. Now the County seems to be the real player in this discussion and it will be interesting to see how they drive development.