The Links at Heartland Crossing, a beloved golf course just 15 miles from downtown Indianapolis, has been saved from being redeveloped into residential homes. Indianapolis-based Gradison Land Development withdrew their petition to rezone 190 acres of the golf course after facing opposition from neighbors in the Heartland Crossing neighborhood. The residents, spanning three counties and totaling 2,500 homes, were relieved by the news and had been vocal about preserving the green space since the plans were announced in June.
This victory for the community came after they discovered an agreement made nearly 30 years ago to keep the golf course as a green space for Heartland Crossing. Kari Mann, a resident who spearheaded the opposition, stated that the research done by the community will help ensure that future petitions for development with minimal green space will not be approved. The withdrawal of the rezoning efforts by Gradison Land Development has given residents hope for the protection of their community’s open space.
As a result of the setback, the development company cannot request rezoning for at least three months and must submit a new proposal for consideration in the future. The community is located in Camby, Indiana, and is separated into different sections with varying styles of residences. Residents expressed concerns about the density of the proposed development, which would have seen 600 homes built on the golf course. Brian Wiser, a resident, emphasized the need for controlled growth and preserving green spaces in the area.
The Links at Heartland Crossing was designed by Steve Smyers and opened in 1998. The owner of the golf course, Ron Overton, purchased it in 2018 and has received inquiries from developers in recent years. However, none of the plans have materialized enough to go before the planning commission for approval. Overton indicated that he would consider selling the golf course if a developer receives approval for development.
The victory for Heartland Crossing is a testament to the power of community organizing and activism in preserving green spaces and controlling growth in neighborhoods. The residents’ dedication to protecting their community’s open space has paid off, and they are now hopeful for the future of their neighborhood. The battle to save The Links at Heartland Crossing serves as an example for other communities facing similar challenges of development and preserving green space in urban areas.
