reduce unnecessary variances by allowing development to fit on lots more effectively. He stated that an example would be balanced parking needs with the walkability of the area to support development on smaller lots. He stated that the overlay would also create a clear standard for development that every investor would follow and would create a level playing field across all projects. He stated that ultimately the overlay was about balancing quality development with practical flexibility and that when everyone was working together towards the same vision, everyone benefits. He stated that new standards would incorporate design elements that fit the surrounding neighborhood and would promote development not hinder it. He stated that Walnut Commons, The Crossing at Trails Edge, The Walnut Townhomes, and the YMCA were all examples that development could be successful and compatible with the neighborhood. He stated that the process would begin with an application for development to the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission (DMMPC) who would review and forward qualifying projects to the McKinley Neighborhood Review Committee (MNRC). He stated that the MNRC would review those plans according to the overlay standards with the applicant either moving forward with permitting or filing appeals with the BZA for variances. He stated that the Village Overlay District and River Canal District worked in a similar way and that they were not aware of any projects being denied during the review process and that some cases better solutions had been found that benefitted the developer and the community. He stated that they were seeking a favorable recommendation to create the McKinley Overlay Review Committee to protect decades of planning and investment in the community. He stated that the question was not if growth should occur, McKinley Neighborhood was already growing and investment was already happening in the neighborhood. He stated that the question was whether that growth would happen intentionally with a clear vision and predictable standards or if the future of the neighborhood would be left to chance rather than building on the decades of planning and community engagement brought us here today. He stated that the overlay was about protecting a vision that had already been adopted and respecting the investment that had already been made and most importantly, about building McKinley’s future with intention that strengthens the neighborhood for the future. He thanked the Board for their time, partnership, and consideration.

Bruce Rector, President of Mckinley Live Learn Neighborhood Association, appeared. He stated that he had been involved with the neighborhood PMT since October of 2018, where Vanderwalle and Associates created guidelines for the McKinley Neighborhood. He stated that the 2022 Master Plan included architectural standards, site requirements and sustainability standards for development and redevelopment within the neighborhood. He stated that the Live Learn component was based on a vision of integrating housing, education, and community development while reinforcing residential stability, access to learning opportunities, workforce development, civic engagement, and partnership with local institutions and community organizations. He stated that the purpose and intent of the overlay district was to implement the Vanderwalle and Associates Master Plan for the McKinley Neighborhood. He stated that the boundaries for the neighborhood were the White River to the north and west, Wysor Street to the south, Madison Street and the Cardinal Greenway to the east. He stated that the overlay would be responsible for approving any development or redevelopment in the neighborhood prior to implementation. He stated that the Neighborhood Association was seeking support in initiating the overlay district.

Rachel Robertson, Vice-President of the McKinley Live Learn Neighborhood Association appeared. She stated that she had called McKinley her home for 22 years and that during that time she had watched the neighborhood grow, adapt, and overcome challenges because of the residents who cared about the community. She stated that she had witnessed citizens volunteer their time, support local businesses and advocate for improvements to making McKinley a place people were proud to call home. She stated that those experiences were why she was speaking in support of the overlay ordinance. She stated that the goal was never to stop growth, they welcomed new neighbors and