Whole Foods? One Step Closer

IBJ is reporting this morning that despite the NORA neighborhood's objections, the city hearing examiner has given preliminary approval to development of a townhouse condo project at Keystone and 82nd. As part of the plan, the developer will include 60,000 square feet of retail market space and hopes to lure the first Whole Foods Market to Indianapolis. About 30 neighbors showed up to oppose the petition.

There are a still a few hurdles (at least one more approval, funding, and, of course, getting Whole Foods to commit) but developers seem optimistic even though NORA residents don't like the idea. Next steps? From today's IBJ Real Estate Weekly:

The case is scheduled to be heard by the city's metropolitan development commission next month. Residents have five business days to appeal the hearing examiner's recommendation. Ruth Hayes, president of the Nora Northside Community Council, said they plan to do so.