BOURBON - Neighbors who have complained about the operation of Custom Classic Cars were present at the Plan Commission meeting Monday but owner Tom Smith was not.

Many residents complained to the town council last week and were directed to the Plan Commission for a repeat recital of the ways Smith has violated the agreement made with them three years ago.

A variance was granted allowing the operation of the business to restore classic cars, but neighbors say the area, located on 12B Road, looks more like a junk yard than a classic car lot. The agreement was that no more than five cars would be on the premises at one time but neighbors report as many as 15 are there.

One neighbor said a large, noisy air compressor was installed outside the building and when Smith was asked to reduce the noise he made it louder. Another said paint fumes were being exhausted by two industrial size, unfiltered fans and adding to problems for children with allergies living nearby. Smith installed a makeshift paint booth in violation of the original zoning in the area, which allows a business already there to continue in operation providing it does not expand use or change business. The addition of the paint booth would be considered an expansion of the original business, which was trucking.

Several of the group said they called the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) expressing concerns over the possible dumping of oil and anti-freeze from the cars. They were told a permit to operate a paint booth was required. IDEM promised an inspection and report on the site within 30 days.

Town attorney Mark Wagner sent letters to Smith and the owner of the property last week pointing out the agreement reached when the variance was granted was not being kept and asking that the matter be addressed. Plan Commission president Herb Baker told the group to come to the June meeting to learn what, if any, further action would be needed.

In other business, Jerry Faulkner was informed that a sign erected by him at his property at 3920 Lincoln Highway is in the road right-of-way and must be moved. Secretary Ellen Elliott said the sign at Mid West Distribution Center at 4050 Lincoln Highway is also in the right-of-way and must be moved. She said the right-of-way extends 50 feet from the center of the road and both businesses neglected to get the necessary permits before installing the signs. [[In-content Ad]]