Kokomo getting two more hotels
Also, Profits Over People talks contamination, Creation Care studies commissioners, Northwoods to hold grand re-opening
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It is common knowledge that housing is at a premium in the Kokomo area. Hundreds of construction workers are living in trailers on the job site as they build a new automotive battery plant. Hundreds more will locate to the city to work at the plant once it opens, and Kokomo has little in the way of homes and apartments to offer.
The short-term housing problem is getting another fix. Developer Mark Bowyer plans to construct two hotels on the city’s north end, within sight of the new battery plant. One of the hotels will be outfitted for longer-term residential stays. The hope is to provide housing in a market desperate with demand.
The hotels will be located at 1717 Faith Road, which currently is a cornfield sitting between First Farmers Bank and Trust and Full Gospel Tabernacle, just off Ind. 931.
“We think we will get a lot of (Stellantis) workers who stay for like a month or two weeks or three weeks,” said attorney Brian Oaks, who represents Bowyer on the project. “And the suites will be more for the long-term residents, with a kitchen and living area.”
Oaks represented the project in front of Kokomo Plan Commission’s Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 5. The development sought variances to the planning standards on structure heights, front yard setbacks, and employee parking. Each of those variances were granted unanimously.
A single remonstrator spoke at the meeting. James Ball, pastor of the church that adjoins the property, asked how the development might affect the church property. After reviewing the proposed map and ensuring the setback from the church, Ball stated he was satisfied. He did, however, say that he has other questions about the development which he will ask at the plan commission meeting for the project next week.
Currently, Woodspring Suites and the Fairfield Inn are attached to the project, though Bowyer disclosed that Fairfield may not be the final tenant. The Woodspring Suites will feature 77 extended stay rooms and is located on the west side of the lot. The Fairfield Inn will feature 122 standard rooms and will be located on the east end of the lot.
Oaks underscored the demand that exists for the hotels, despite the fact that new hotels are under construction on the city’s south end.
“For Championship Park, the parents that come to town for games probably would be more likely to stay at the hotel,” said Oaks. “But if your business sends you here for two months or three months for a project, where do you go? We have a lot of temporary workers here now. They're going to be here for three years. There is a huge need for this.”
The project will go before the plan commission on Sept. 12 for rezoning from low-density residential to large-scale general commercial. The meeting will be held in City Hall at 5 p.m.
Profits Over People holds forum on contamination
Sherry Roe, author of “Profits Over People” and community advocate for those impacted by industrial contamination, will host an open forum on Sat., Sept. 9, to ask questions about contamination in the community and the associated health risks.
Among the topics discussed will be soil and water ground contamination, exposure routes, vapor intrusion, and the possible adverse health effects of solar energy. Joining Roe at the meeting to answer questions will be Dr. Jennifer Johnson, Environmental Anthropologist with Michigan State University, Bryce Gustafson, program organizer with the Indiana Citizens Action Coalition, and Lisa Washington, long-time nursing advocate.
The forum will take place from 2-4 p.m. at The Carpenters House church, 37 W, CR 550 N. For additional information, visit the Profits Over People Facebook page.
Creation Care studies county commissioners
Do you know what some of the responsibilities of the Howard County Commissioners Office are? Did you know that they work with other nearby counties to write regional grants? Join Kokomo Area Creation Care as they become better informed citizens on so many areas that affect daily lives in the city. There will be time for questions and answers during the meeting.
On Mon., Sept. 11, Brad Bray, president of the Howard County Board of Commissioners, will be the guest speaker at the Kokomo Area Creation Care meeting at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 3401 S. Dixon Road.
The Howard County Board of Commissioners makes policy for Howard County, including setting long-term goals and evaluating their outcomes. They adopt countywide budgets, approve taxation, make financial decisions, adopt ordinances, and make land-use decisions. Commissioners play multiple roles in Howard County government, often working with state officials to accomplish goals.
The meeting is open to all. Fellowship and refreshments will be available at 6:45 p.m.
Northwoods to hold grand re-opening
The Five Star Residences of Northwoods, 2501 Friendship Blvd., will hold a grand re-opening celebration on Fri., Sept. 22, from 1-3 p.m. Northwoods recently made improvements to the assisted living community and is opening its doors to show off the new amenities. The event will include live music, games, and family fun. To RSVP attendance, call 765-454-0001 by Sept. 15.
