A petition for employee-only parking lots at 765 W. Market St., Warsaw, was approved at the city's Board of Zoning Appeals meeting Monday.

Charlie Ker, the petitioner, requested building parking lots on four areas that are currently residential to make more parking for light industrial businesses.

"This sounds like a very exciting opportunity to do something nice for the neighborhood," said city planner Jeff Noffsinger.

However, residents on Market Street were not thrilled about the request.

"Personally, we don't want light industrial or any industrial in our back yard," said Tracy Cutler of 787 W. Market St. She said she believes the parking lots would lower her property value.

Other residents of West Market Street were concerned about the amount of traffic and noise.

Ker said he intends to beautify the area and said light industrial manufacturing would not be noisy. There were no more objections. The board approved the petition, including a landscape requirement for a 6-foot-wide buffer and 3-foot-high vegetation.

In other business:

• Plans to build an arcade at 900 S. Buffalo St. were withdrawn because the petitioner, Earl Hackworth, didn't attend the meeting for the second time. If Hackworth wishes to pursue this project he must refile.

• Pat Lucas of 519 E. Center St. requested permission for a real estate office in her home. The biggest problem, the BZA members said, is parking space.

Lucas' request was approved if she provides enough parking space.

• Dianna Young of 1600 Ranch Road requested a use variance for a beauty salon in her home.Her driveway has room for three parking spots. She would be open six hours a day with approximately five to six customers.

Young's neighbors remonstrated. Shirley Priser, 1510 Ranch Road, said the business would lower her property value. She said the neighborhood is strictly residential.

Paul Heiman, 1509 Ranch Road, said, "This has an adverse effect on property for sale. I don't think we should start any business in a residential area."

"I am violently opposed to this!" said Gloria Heiman.

"The neighbors have a say," said board member Leigh Ann Denlinger. "It's their neighborhood."

Young's request was denied.

• Edwin and Arlene Mitschelen, 1701 Ranch Road, requested permission to have a doll repair business in their home. They have a business in Winona Lake that includes doll repair and sales. They do not plan to sell dolls out of their home.

The Mitschelens are expecting approximately two customers a week and they explained that the doll repair is really more of a hobby.

"You would consider this a very small business," Edwin Mitschelen said.

"I recommend they withdraw the petition and pursue their hobby," said city attorney Mike Valentine.

This was agreed and the petition was withdrawn.

• Warsaw Community Schools wants to put up an information sign on Tiger Lane. Jay Staffer of Vanadco Signs spoke on behalf of the corporation.

Staffer explained the purpose of the sign would be to convey school activities to the public. The sign is 16 feet 3 inches high and 130 square inches.

Staffer said the size of the sign will not cause problems because it will be 50 feet off the road. He presented plans to the board.

"I think it's a well-made sign. It looks good. I'm impressed," said Denlinger.

Staffer was asked when the sign would be installed and he said probably by September.

The petition was approved.

• The United Steel Workers Association's request to build a union hall on East Jefferson Street was approved.

The hall's main purpose would be for Saturday morning meetings once a month with approximately 10 members. If the membership increases, the building will be sold and a larger one will be found elsewhere.

Sandra Perkins, 2122 E. Jefferson St., had only one protest and that was against liquor being served at the hall. Perkins was assured that no liquor of any kind would be served and the building would be used only for meetings.

The issue was tabled for next month with the understanding that an alternate plan will be submitted.

• Alan Kado of 212 N. Cook St. requested an 11-foot front yard setback and a 7-foot rear yard setback.

Kado's property was damaged by a fire Oct. 20. The minimum dwelling size issue was resolved and the petition approved.

The Warsaw Boarding Zone of Appeals members are: Alan Clingan president, Dan Hampton, Rick Keeven, Bruce Woodward and Trish Brown. [[In-content Ad]]