Neighborhood plan unveiled, neighbors react

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Some West Lafayette residents had the opportunity to see how city and county officials hope to revitalize and stabilize the New Chauncey neighborhood.

"Will the voice of the neighborhood be heard?" said West Lafayette resident Ted Wachs.

Wachs has lived in the New Chauncey neighborhood for 17 years. He said he attended Tuesday night's workshop about the New Chauncey Neighborhood Plan in hopes of having his voice heard.

He said he would like to see a revitalized, cleaner neighborhood.

"We would like to have the neighborhood be visually appealing so families would relocate to the neighborhood. This could be a magnet for young professionals who want to live and work near the University," said Wachs.

The Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission (APC) introduced a plan to residents which outlines how the neighborhood could look in the future. That includes a block-by-block analysis of possible developments and changes to the landscape. 

It also looks at the number of rental properties versus the number of owner-occupied properties.

"We're gathering community input, really taking the time to share with people our plan and gather some information to put the finishing touches on it, really," said APC Assistant Director Ryan O'Gara.

The APC is working with CSO Architects, Inc. to make the plan happen.

O'Gara said he is pleased with the information gathered from the first workshop.

Wachs said he was also pleased with the turnout of the first meeting. He said it's important for neighbors to get out and show their support. He hopes their input is put to good use.

"If we are ignored then the plan will roll through and we all will have wasted our time," said Wachs.

O'Gara said after the workshops, the Steering Committee will develop a final draft.

That final draft will be sent to the APC in December. He said it will then be passed off to the West Lafayette City Council in January.

If you didn't make it to the workshop Tuesday night, don't worry. There will also be two more workshops on Oct. 23 and again on Nov. 7.