NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — Noblesville’s mayor issued a statement Monday afternoon after elected officials were at the center of violent threats concerning the Morse Village Project, an effort backed by the city to create over 600 new homes near Morse Reservoir.
Mayor Chris Jensen has denounced threats directed at city officials for supporting the controversial $250 million project and confirmed that the Noblesville Police Department is investigating.
“Threats, including threats of violence, have been received by elected officials about the proposed Morse Village Project that the Noblesville Common Council is considering,” Mayor Jensen said. We take those threats seriously, and the Noblesville Police Department is actively responding to address them as appropriate.”
According to previous reports, the Noblesville City Council unanimously approved the residential and commercial development in October. The development, which will be led by LOR Corporation, will focus on constructing new homes in the 175-acre area known as Morse Village, which can be found on the city’s northeast side.
Previous reporting indicated the homes will be broken down into 250 high-end single-family homes, 150 townhouses (with 50 of these being developed as condominium units) and 250 multifamily residences.
Morse Village would consist of three central portions: North Pointe, South Pointe and West Pointe. The North Pointe would be home to single-family, townhouse and multifamily housing alongside dining, retail and entertainment options. The South Pointe would feature single-family houses, green space and a wider amenity area.
The project will also feature the construction of a roundabout at East 206th Street and Hague Road and 30,000 square feet of space that will be reserved for commercial, retail and professional office space. More information about all of the project’s features can be found here.
Multiple homeowners have expressed their concerns about the development with FOX59/CBS4, citing concerns for the West Pointe portion of the project that they assert would have negative environmental implications for the local eagle nest and the wetlands in the area.
The City of Noblesville has previously announced its intentions to offer a preservation park where eagle watching will be available. These 30 acres will consist of “dedicated” green space and over six miles of trails and sidewalks.
Mayor Jensen’s full statement can be viewed below:
“Threats, including threats of violence, have been received by elected officials about the proposed Morse Village Project that the Noblesville Common Council is considering. We take those threats seriously, and the Noblesville Police Department is actively responding to address them as appropriate.
It is concerning and disappointing that some individuals who have strong opinions on this matter have lowered themselves to the level of threatening physical violence. We respect opinions and perspectives on all sides of public issues, and I have consistently said and demonstrated through my actions that constructive voices will always have a seat at the table for input and adjustments. The citizens’ voice in all public policy matters is paramount.
However, no public official or public employee should ever have to live under the threat of retaliation for doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. I commend the many residents who have conducted themselves honorably and respectfully on this matter and call on everyone to engage with civility and mutual respect.
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen
