Noblesville City Council vote sinks plan for gravel pit and lake at Potter's Bridge Park

The Noblesville City Council on Tuesday rejected a proposal by a local gravel company and the Hamilton County parks department to dig a deep pit at Potter's Bridge Park that would be filled as a lake and donated to the parks after five years.

By a 7-2 vote, councilors denied a zoning change that would have permitted Beaver Materials to excavate rock and dirt on 50 acres on Allisonville Road, in what several lawmakers called the toughest decision of their tenures.

"It's a great idea but the wrong time," Councilor Darren Peterson said.

"I don't believe it is the right site," Councilor Megan Wiles said.

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Both Peterson and Wiles suggested the site would be a perfectly suitable addition as parkland to Potters Bridge Park without the lake and the years long industrial disruption of the excavation.

Councilors Mike Davis and Greg O'Connor voted for the zoning change.

The controversial proposal would allow Beaver to excavate gravel on farmland it recently bought next to Potter's Bridge Park, then donate the land to park system. The pit would be filled with water and be the centerpiece of park restorations alongside the White River.

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The plan was opposed by residents in several nearby subdivisions and others. A group, “Don’t Leave it to Beaver," feared  noise, pollution, dust, traffic and water contamination from the digging operation and a drop in real estate values. The Indiana Covered Bridge Society and the Hoosier Environmental Council. also opposed the plan.

The Hamilton County Commission and the Hamilton County Council favored the plan. Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen stayed neutral. It’s the second time that Beaver Materials had submitted the plan to the city. In 2020, the Plan Commission sent the project to the council with no recommendation but before the council could vote, Beaver withdrew its application.

Don't Leave it to Beaver said in a statement that citizen involvement made the difference.

"The community opposition to the gravel pit was always an uphill battle and an underdog story," the statement read. "Thank you to all who put up a yard sign, and to all who educated their friends, neighbors, and family on the risks this project posed to our community."

"We hope that tonight’s victory inspires citizens to become more outspoken and involved in their government’s processes"

Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on Twitter and Facebook.