By HOLLY GASKILL
Wells County Commissioners unanimously approved the rezoning of 10350 North State Road 1 in Ossian, allowing Jason and Cassandra Meyer to use the property for their business.
The rezoning from residential to business comes with three provisions: potential business uses are limited to Meyer Renovation and similar businesses, development plans will be filed within 120 days, and a septic permit will be filed within 30 days.
The Area Plan Commission had given a unanimous “do pass” recommendation to the commissioners with these provisions. However, County Commissioner Blake Gerber expressed some hesitation in approving the request as a similar petition for the property had been rejected by the commissioners in 2017.
“This is a tough call for me,” Gerber said. However, he recognized their intentions for the property were more clear now.
APC Executive Director Mike Lautzenheiser said the APC initially had some worries but believes that Meyer Renovation would not be a high-traffic building that would adversely affect the area. Additionally, the zoning provisions limited the property from being sold to a more disruptive business.
Jason Meyer, who was present Monday, added that he had received notice from the Health Department that they were permitted to use a temporary holding tank until the sewer lines were installed and ready to use.
The commissioners added to the provisions that a community well near the easement will remain as an “unapproved structure.” The matter had been discussed by Surveyor Jarrod Hahn, also an APC board member, during the preceding drainage board meeting. Hahn said this may cause issues during excavation or other factors.
Meyer said moving the community well was estimated at $16,000.
“We can leave it there, it’s just that risk it had is going to continue,” Commissioner Jeff Stringer said.
At the March 22 APC meeting, several area property owners spoke against the rezoning petition, some of whom were present Monday. However, there was no public comment on the matter.
Gerber and Stringer were in person for the discussion; Commissioner Mike Vanover was absent from the drainage board meeting but attended the commissioner meeting via Zoom.
holly@news-banner.com
