Discusses junk violation, other rezoning issues
By JONATHAN SNYDER
Meyer Renovation’s development plan was given a do-pass recommendation by the Wells County Area Plan Commission Thursday.
The recommendation comes after months of discussion between Jason Meyer of Meyer Renovation and the Area Plan Commission, which included lighting issues, stormwater detention, fencing concerns and state design variance troubles.
APC member Jarrod Hahn looked over the two-stage ditch on the north and west sides of the property and signed off on it. Meyer also reported that the power supply and switch for the outward-facing lighting is gone, and Ossian approved a fence next to Meyer’s planned sewer line construction with a one and one-half inch minimum gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground for stormwater runoff.
The state design variance was filed on July 23, but the board still had problems with Meyer’s proposal. One issue was the setback from the front yard was 30 ft. instead of the 60 ft. setback requirements as part of the specific subdivision at 10350 North State Road 1. The board also had issues with the gravel driveway entering the property. Meyer mentioned plans to pave it.
The board gave five conditions for their recommendation. Meyer must lay fencing along the south side of the property through Ossian’s utility easement, with the north and part of the west side being free from fencing due to the ditch. Meyer must also: have the Indiana Department of Transportation approve the driveway construction, acquire an exemption for the 30 ft. building setback, either remove or turn all exterior lighting so it’s downward facing, and an additional exemption for the planned residential unit on the back side of the proposed building.
“This is the most complicated one I think I have seen in my tenure,” APC member John Schuhmacher said.
Additionally a do-not pass recommendation was given to Gratus Development LLC for their plans to rezone 2.097 acres north of 1644 North Main St, behind ProFed Credit Union. Gratus’ plan was to purchase the land — following approval — rezone it as residential, and build a senior affordable housing development with 47 units.
While the APC addressed that housing is a need in Bluffton, member Chandler Gerber cited two projects already in the approval pipeline that are in residential areas as a reason for caution. Jonathan Ehlke of Gratus Development admitted that official support for the development came really late in the process and understood the hesitancy from the board, but since the land was not purchased yet and time was spent drawing the plans, there was no harm in submitting it.
“We completely respect the Gratus organization,” Gerber said. “(But) for a number of reasons this project specifically, the location and a few of those other things are an issue and we (Bluffton Common Council) feel that we’ve got some other projects that have been submitted already that check a lot of boxes that we need and are in areas designed for residential real estate.”
Jeff Miller, representing a group of home owners from Stoney Creek Estates, said the the Wells County Comprehensive Plan has the ideal use for the land as business developments, and traffic patterns are best suited as business in that area. Miller also stated that 47 units and 57 cars in a two acre plot of land would create a very congested area.
“I didn’t hear a lot of fight coming from the representative here,” APC member Geoff Lance said, “If you look at the comprehensive plan, that’s not in the plan. It should, in my opinion, stay business.”
Additionally, a do-pass recommendation was given to Felger Investments to rezone 3.2 acres of land at 5049 North S.R. 1 in Ossian for a planned parking lot addition. Matt Bersch stated that there would be no buildings or utilities in the area, it would simply be 14,000 square feet of parking to the north side of the existing building while removing the gravel driveway to the south. Hahn stated that he looked over any potential drainage issues to the south and found that it is accounted for.
Furthermore, the APC approved a 90-day continuation for Rodger Watson’s junk violation. APC Executive Director Mike Lautzenheiser stated that significant improvements have been made to clean up the scrap surrounding the property.
“We just have to understand that there are an uncountable number of items that need to be moved,” Lautzenheiser said. “But they are moving the needle faster than I could have imagined possible.”
The APC also approved the new budget for the APC and GIS Program for 2025, with the standard 5% pay increase for all full and part-time employees. This budget will move onto review by the Wells County Council.
jonathan@news-banner.com
