Controversial 720 NW project approved by APC

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The second time proves to be the charm for a controversial planned development in West Lafayette.

Back in February, the 720 Northwestern Avenue Project was denied a recommendation by the Area Plan Commission by a 13 to 1 margin when it was known as BoilerCribs or the Landmark development.

As NewsChannel 18 has reported in recent weeks and months, the project has been redesigned since.  It's gone from six stories tall to five stories, with more parking and fewer apartments.  The latest plans call for an urban grocery to be the anchor tenant.

It was approved by an 11 to 1 vote Wednesday.

"I think it's appropriate that we saw a develop move toward sound planning practices," Roland Winger, APC President, said.

"I'm very pleased with the result," part-owner Matt Garrison said.  "I think it means that the process works and it's effective and that reasonable people can disagree.  But in this case, I think we've reached a compromise that's good for the community as a whole"

But public feedback was nearly four to one against the project.  Although acknowledging the removal of one story of height helped, for many nearby residents like Tom Bobillo, it wasn't enough.

"But I just don't think that was important enough to the residents who will feel the impact, from the parking primarily and the facade," Bobillo said.  "I just think that the size and scope is too massive."

The project is due to head to the West Lafayette council for their consideration next month.

City leaders will also consider the State Street Corner projects which was also approved tonight by the APC.

Two other projects on the agenda, Crosswalk Commons and Meridian Crossing, were pulled from the agenda and are due to be heard next month.