Cumberland Cottages HAND project passes City Council 5-4

The HAND project to construct 11 cottages at 141st and Cumberland Road will move forward after the Fishers City Council voted 5-4 approving a rezone of the property.

Voting yes for the rezone were David George, Cecilia Coble, Brad DeReamer, Samantha DeLong and Jocelyn Vare.  The no votes were from Selina Stoller, Pete Peterson, John Weingardt and Todd Zimmerman.

The Advisory Plan Commission voted an unfavorable recommendation 8-1, with Howard Stevenson the only commission member supporting the proposal.

There was a great deal of discussion about car ports rather than garages for the 11 cottage units.  HAND Executive Director Andrea Davis said an upgrade to garages is possible, once more details of the design are available now that the rezone has been approved.

The city planning staff recommended approval of the housing project.

The rezone approval is just one step in the process.   Davis said she plans to continue discussions with neighbors and council members as the project moves to the next stages.