Area Planning stands by Cobblestone

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Controversy continues to surround a Wabash Valley neighborhood.

Residents that live in an area of southern Vigo County argue that apartments being built by Cobblestone Crossing are illegal.

From the minute Cobblestone Crossings began building almost 30-foot apartments, several homeowners throughout the Woodgate community started to put up for sale signs.

Michael Myers, a Woodgate homeowner said he has lived on Southridge for more than 20-years, and never in those years has he seen this many homes for sale.

Myers said as soon as more Cobblestone apartments popped up, so did the for sale signs.

"Normally there will be two to three pieces of property at the most, at any one time. That's due to transfers, retirement, possible downsizing, things like that. But yeah, right now we have a sizeable amount in this neighborhood for sale,” said Myers.

It's an issue that Myers and several neighbors have been fighting about for months; having almost 30-foot tall apartments built next to their property lines.

Recently neighbors confronted Area Planning; they claimed the zoning for Cobblestone’s apartments was done illegally.

Jeremy Weir, Executive Director of Area planning says that's not the case.

"Don't expect me to sit here and say I did something illegal, because I didn't. We did what the code called for us to do because that's what we are required to do for our jobs,” said Weir.

Weir informed neighbors when the land was rezoned from single family homes to apartments; it was considered a minor change which is something that Area Planning has the power to do without consulting Vigo County Commissioners.

Myers said, "They know it's a major change, no doubt about that. You don't go from R1 to R3 and put up these kinds of buildings as a minor change."

Weir said, "We do not feel like we did anything illegally, and if they feel we did and they want to make that case and argument, than yes, that's right because I'm not going to fight checks and balances, that's what the system is for.”

But Myers said, "The laws are supposed to protect the little guy."

Homeowners near Cobblestone Crossings have hired an attorney out of Indianapolis and plan to continue to fight for answers as they continue to feel cheated by the system.

Jeremy Weir told News 10 that Area Planning is looking into possible ordinance changes to prevent similar problems in the future.

Area Planning will also hold Cobblestone Crossings to their requirement of putting up a wall of shrubbery.