WINONA LAKE - Jerry Smith just wants to get the most value for his Winona Lake property - and the town's plan commission is doing what it can to help.

For the second time in two months, the commission tabled a planned rezoning of Smith's property at 2308 E. Winona Ave. The commission is considering rezoning Smith's property, which houses Smith's Mobile Home Park, from its current commercial zoning to residential.

"Two months ago, we were asked to come up with some options on the commercial uses for the portion of the lot fronting Winona Avenue," said Steve Snyder, the attorney representing Smith. "As I see it tonight, we have a viable commercial property as it stands now, but we're going to need some additional time to firm up plans."

Snyder said he and his client have consulted several realtors and were told the portion along Winona Avenue was prime commercial property considering the development taking place in the rest of the town. Snyder asked the commission to give Smith additional time to find an appropriate commercial use.

"The commercial uses we are looking for would be low-volume, low-turnover commercial uses, such as a doctor's or insurance office," he said.

Board member Mark Workman said the commission was not asking Smith to come in with a planned buyer/tenant, but that he provide information on the most probable commercial use for the property.

"Our intent was not for you to come to us with a firm plan.," he said. "I think it would be better for the town for us to rezone it and have you come back to the BZA for a (use) variance when you have a firm plan. That way the town would be protected."

Snyder said his client would rather keep the property zoned commercial, but having restrictive development conditions added to the deed.

The commission granted a second 60-day continuance and will take up the matter again at the Feb. 9 meeting.

In other business, Public Works Superintendent Kim Endicott reported the transportation assessment done with with Wesley Downing of the Bonar Group identified three possible transportation projects that could receive state grants. They include widening CR 250E between Wooster Road and U.S. 30, and extending Park Avenue south to Roy Street in Southtown Estates.

The Winona Lake Plan Commission consists of Randy Ruppel, Dick Taylor, Kim Endicott, Mike Grill, Lee Jenkins, Betty Kaye-Smith and Mark Workman. [[In-content Ad]]