The Fishers City Council approved a text amendment to The Yard development near IKEA allowing about 225 residential units to be a part of the project.  The vote was 6-2, with one abstention.  Council members David George and Selina Stoller voted no and Rich Block abstained from voting on the measure.

George voiced concerns that the the developer’s plans are not now cohesive as a restaurant destination with the added component of residential.  Councilmen Pete Peterson and John Weingardt both voiced support for the residential Yard plans, saying it enhances the development.  Mayor Scott Fadness responded that the residential units will be placed above the planned restaurant locations and will not reduce any retail space.

Attorney Steve Hardin, representing Yard developer Thompson Thrift, told council members construction should begin in June and is expected to take about 18 months.  Hardin also said leasing for The Yard is going “very well.”

There were also concerns raised by city planners and a nearby developer about road access, and the action by the council granting the text amendment requires those issues to be resolved by the parties and to the satisfaction of the city planning staff.