It was just the 1st reading on a zoning change allowing the iTown Church to construct a new building near 126th Street and Brook School Road, but the congregation filled the seats at Monday night’s Fishers City Council session, showing support for their new building proposal.  On the other hand, many residents of the Gray Eagle neighborhood have voiced concern that the removal of the driving range (which would likley be gone if the church is built) will endanger the long-term viability of the Gray Eagle golf course.

The golf course operator has committed to building a new clubhouse (the current clubhouse is part of the driving range).  However, that commitment is not a binding provision at this time.  Council member Pete Peterson expressed concern about the viability of the golf course without a driving range.  Other council members expressed similar concerns.

The next step for the iTown proposed church building is a public hearing before the Fishers Plan Commission June 7th.  Members of that panel will vote on a recommendation, favorable or unfavorable, then the text amendment zoning change will return to the city council for a final decision.

There were other items on the Monday night agenda:

–New Fishers Police Officers La Shawn Tyler and Adam Shank were sworn-in by Chief Mitch Thompson.

–The mayor issued proclamations honoring the Fishers Sikh community and recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month.

–The Fishers Youth Assistance Program gave a brief presentation to council members about their work.

–Council members gave their okay to what were described as “minor” changes in the agreement to develop The Yard, a culinary center to be built near IKEA and Top Golf.