Work on new airport FedEx facility may begin soon: Move awaits zoning change approval from city council

Aug 07, 2008 (The Tribune-Star - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- FDX | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Aug. 7--Construction on a new FedEx Ground facility could begin as soon as late September, adding 50 to 70 FedEx employees, officials said Wednesday evening.

Attorney Richard Shagley, on behalf of the Princeton Mining Co., appeared before Vigo County's Area Planning Board to request a zoning change at 715 S. Hunt St., about one-third of a mile south of Indiana 42.

The 10-acre area is currently zoned as an O-1 Agricultural District, but Princeton Mining is requesting the switch to M-2, which is termed a "Heavy Industrial District."

The proposed facility will be a FedEx Ground unit near Terre Haute International Airport-Hulman Field.

"This facility is in line with what the airport board has been trying to do for years," Shagley told the board, predicting that at some point that entire area along Hunt Street will serve as commercial and industrial.

Board member and city councilman Neil Garrison, D-5th, offered a motion to approve the zoning change and it passed unanimously. Final approval will be sought before the Terre Haute City Council.

Mike Doyle with developer Scannell Properties said if final zoning is approved, construction will begin this fall to be completed by the summer of 2009.

Board member Brent Spier pointed out that considerable road work will be required before a development of that magnitude can be completed.

"That's kind of a big steak to chew on for a property that big," he said.

Shagley responded that Princeton Mining is aware of the work needed and said they're prepared for it.

Neighbor Elizabeth Art said her 1.7-acre property lies adjacent to the proposed development. "We're just wondering what's going to happen to us," she said, noting that discussions have been made between herself and Princeton Mining about a purchase of her property. "We always knew the airport would take us over eventually," the 20-year resident said of her home.

Shagley said that in all likelihood a buy-out of Art's property would be negotiated.

Brian Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.

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