Demolition, renovation renew flooded neighborhood

Whiteland, Ind. - A neighborhood devastated by flooding last year is slowly coming back to life as new residents and businesses return to the area.

Most of the dozen Whiteland homes affected by the June 2008 flood were so damaged that repairs took months or were so costly that owners demolished them.

But some of those left have been purchased and renovated, and a used-car business is expected to locate on one of the vacant lots where a home once stood.

Bill Burchett has bought two flood-damaged houses and has remodeled them for renters. He plans to renovate another house that's been vacant for 15 years.

Town manager Dennis Capozzi says officials are considering rezoning some of the vacant lots so they can be used for commercial purposes.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

MORE FROM WTHR-TV 13

WTHR-TV 13 Section Front

School bus involved in crash in Putnam County   Anderson board hears debate on school issue   Road crews prepare for next winter hit   Legislative panel releases findings on gambling   Lafayette native Barron named Florida St. president   Republic Airways bringing 300 jobs to Indianapolis   Stolen puppy returned to Humane Society   CPSC: 2 deaths lead to hammock recall   Richmond animal shelter supporters bare all in calendar fundraiser   Brizzi talks about Durham ties WTHR-TV 13 Section Front   Add WTHR-TV 13 headlines to your news reader: