MUNCIE – Despite the impression that Muncie is growing westward, development along Ind. 332 has not been speedy.
As an example, look at Nebo Commons. The 72-acre commercial development was announced in 2012. But the property is so far home only to two car dealerships, American Chevrolet and Kia of Muncie, and will this year see construction of a third, Volkswagen.
Steve DeAnda, a partner in developing Nebo Commons, said development has moved at a deliberate pace as he works with adjoining property owners to gain easements for stormwater drainage and sanitary sewers.
“The property was a blessing and a curse that it didn’t sell for so many years at Nebo and 332,” DeAnda said. “It’s a blessing that it sold to us, but the reason it took so long contributes to the difficulty in completing development.
“There’s a lot of planning, and if it’s done well, it’s great for the community,” DeAnda said. “If not, it’s bad for the community.”
There’s potential for other commercial development along Ind. 332 west of Muncie. So far, though, it’s just potential.
More development, more curb cuts
With the addition, at the end of 2013, of traffic signals at Ind. 332 and County Road 500-West — one mile west of Nebo Road and Nebo Commons — some anticipated more growth along the state highway.
The Delaware County commissioners chalked up the new Indiana Department of Transportation signals as a safety measure, but some predicted more development — which hasn’t yet materialized — of commercial property along the route, which sees tens of thousands of vehicles a day.