The City of Noblesville is moving into territory that locally and nationwide is filled with strong difference of opinions. The issue is taking historic parks land for development. Only one thing is more difficult for Americans, and that is giving up their property by court action of a government body. The park in question is located in the historic old town Noblesville at 10th street, Hannibal and Division Streets just two blocks south of the Court House Square. It has always been known as Seminary Park and serves the entire community. It is the only park close to the downtown and serves as a neighborhood park and playground. Seminary Park is a popular location for summer band concerts including the 25th year of Shakespeare in the Park play given each summer by Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission. The park was developed in 1983 on one and one half acres of city land purchased from the school corporation. The history goes back much further.
Dating back to 1870-1871, the first school in Noblesville was built on the site. From 1871, all grades were taught at the school know as Seminary. Called the “school house” and after a century of service, the school was torn down in 1969 by the school corporation. The city administration including Mayor Ditslear, Deputy Mayor Steve Cooke, planning and economic development departments have been approached by a developer to use 1.30 acres of the park to develop 12 new town homes resulting in $11,669 dollars in additional tax revenue to the city. The land has been marked as a prime location for such infill development. Value has been estimated at $140,000 for the existing park land that will be sold to the developer. The city says this project will result in preserving and enhancing the remaining parcels of existing park by adding new fencing to the west side of the park, new benches or a seating wall and a dog watering station.
But what about the history, the existing neighborhood, the green space, current home values and the all important park setting? In the field of planning and making communities great, a park in a neighborhood, especially in old town, is considered an important amenity and few such special places exist in any community and especially in Noblesville.
Everyone is excited about new housing going into the fabric of the old town but should a park be surrendered to accomplish the goal? Has enough effort been given to find alternative sites that have long seen their day? Should the selling price actually be $140,000 for 12 lots is very cheap land for the developer. Some say the homes will sell in the high $200,000 up to $300,000. As far as development goes, this land is as easy as it gets. Park land is ready to go with no tear downs, cheap land with little concern for what could be considered priceless as a remaining park.
Noblesville considers itself to be historic. Yet, seldom does it show the pride of the history of the County seat of Hamilton County dating back to 1823 at the platting of Noblesville by William Conner.
Do we need a “Save Seminary” campaign or will the city get busy and find another great piece of land for a development idea long overdue and needed. Let us hope some real creative thinking gets going fast.
The current city plan is a follows:
- Continue to discuss with neighborhood residents and businesses, Noblesville Parks Board, and Council
- Meet with Noblesville Preservation Alliance
- Prepare developer agreement with Legal Council
- Prepare a Request for Proposal and bring to a vote before the Board of Public Works and Safety and Council
- Prepare talking points for other city departments, Chamber of Commerce, Noblesville Preservation Alliance, Noblesville Main Street and others
- Return to Noblesville Parks Board with comprehensive plans for both Housing Development Area and Remaining Park Area.
In the meantime, press your points by sending to: HamiltonCoNorthReporter@hotmail.com