Consultant Adam Peeper of HWC presented the draft comprehensive plan—branded "Uniquely Zionsville"—during the Nov. 17 Plan Commission meeting, outlining a 12‑chapter document that includes a future land‑use map, transportation thoroughfare recommendations and implementation steps. Peeper said engagement to date included workshops, surveys and an interactive map with thousands of inputs.

Many residents used the public hearing to press for stronger protections for rural character, trees and wetlands, and to question land‑use classifications on particular corridors. "Zionsville needs to protect its uniqueness, not destroy it," said one resident who identified himself as a long‑time property owner.

Concerns included the classification of 1100 East for "office and innovation," questions about Whitestown Parkway and Starkey Road classifications, and sewer and wastewater treatment reliability. Trico and other utility coordination were flagged repeatedly; at least one resident urged engaging Trico and regional partners to develop realistic sewer alternatives.

Commissioners stressed that the map is a guide and that the plan’s text contains the policies that will inform decisions. Several members asked staff/consultants to provide hard‑copy maps and to track edits between the Oct. 31 draft and the next revision. "Nothing in the plan or on this map is an entitlement to build tomorrow," a consultant noted; commissioners emphasized the importance of using the plan’s policy language in decisions.

The commission voted to continue the public hearing to Dec. 15 and invited written comments on the updated draft; the consultant intends to post a revised draft and a tracked‑changes list to the project website before the next meeting.

Next steps: consultant to post revised draft and change log; staff to circulate hard‑copy maps for commissioners; public comment period to remain open ahead of the Dec. 15 public hearing.