Letter from Hilda Jimenez and Tyler Costa Regarding Bright Area Redevelopment Proposal for TIF

  11/7/2024

Hilda J Palacios Jimenez & Tyler Costa

Property: 1772 Jamison Rd. West Harrison, IN

Parcel in question: 15-01 -35-302-004.000-06    (5.4070 acres)

Subject: Concern Regarding Bright Area Redevelopment Proposal

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed redevelopment plan for the Bright area. I recently became aware of this initiative on November 6, 2024, through a social media post. Upon reading the details, I was deeply disturbed by what appears to be a proposal more focused on increasing profits for developers rather than genuinely improving the quality of life for current residents.

What struck me most was the lack of direct communication with those of us who will be most affected by these changes. My property is mentioned in the redevelopment documents, yet I did not receive any formal notification from the authorities or developers regarding how my land would be impacted. This lack of transparency and outreach is disheartening, especially considering that many of us have invested in this community and built our lives here.

I am particularly troubled by the timing of the public meetings related to this proposal, which were held at times when working residents like me would be unable to attend. This appears to be an undemocratic process, where decisions are being made without the meaningful input of those most impacted.

As I reviewed the 34-page document outlining the redevelopment plans, several concerns stood out to me:

1. Loss of Community Character: The proposal seems to prioritize economic growth over preserving the rural, small-town charm that so many of us love about Bright. Many of us chose to live here for the tranquility, natural beauty, and sense of community. We value the slower pace of life and don’t mind traveling a little further for work in exchange for the peace and beauty of the area. This development threatens to turn Bright into a mini-city, eroding the qualities that made it a desirable place to live in the first place.
2. Increased Traffic and Strain on Resources: The proposed changes will inevitably lead to more traffic, congestion, and pressure on local resources. These are problems that we are not prepared to handle, and they will diminish the overall quality of life that we currently enjoy.
3. Property Values and Tax Increases: While the proposal suggests that property values will rise and that new jobs will be created, it fails to consider the financial burden this will place on current residents. If property taxes increase and home values rise, many long-term residents may be forced to sell due to rising costs. Furthermore, for those of us who wish to stay, such changes would make it financially untenable to remain in our homes.
4. Concerns Regarding My Property: My personal concern is the future of my property. I have worked hard to create a home where I can live in harmony with nature. I have no intention of selling, and I do not wish to see my property taken from me. If I were to sell, I would require a price far beyond what is reasonable, simply to replace the unique environment I have here.

In addition, I would have appreciated a more detailed explanation of how my property is specifically affected by these plans, as well as the options available to me as a homeowner. Learning about these plans via social media, rather than through formal communication, only added to my frustration.

At this point, I urge you to reconsider moving forward with this redevelopment project. While I understand the concerns regarding population growth and the need for housing, I believe there are alternative solutions that can address these issues without compromising the unique qualities of our community. For example, I believe that limiting the number of rental properties owned by individuals and prioritizing local homeowners could help alleviate housing shortages while preserving the area’s character.

In addition, while job creation is important, many residents, myself included, are content to commute to nearby cities for work in exchange for the peace and serenity that Bright offers. The current development plan seems to ignore this balance.

Finally, I respectfully request that you consider leaving my land untouched. I would also like to know whether this redevelopment could require me to seek legal counsel to protect my rights as a property owner. I am prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the Bright area retains its charm, sense of community, and quality of life.

I sincerely hope that you will take my concerns into account before making any further decisions. As residents, we deserve better communication, transparency, and consideration for the future of our homes and our community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Hilda J. Palacios Jimenez