Bourbon Residents Voice Opinions On Rezoning For Proposed Dollar General
May 10, 2017 at 7:39 p.m.
By Carol Anders-
Many were there to voice their opinions on a proposed rezoning request for an empty parcel of land on Ind. 331.
The matter had come before the plan commission after Brandi and Gale Greer and Bourbon Partners LLC petitioned to have the property rezoned from single family residential (A) to general business (GB).
Land to both the north and east had previously been rezoned to general business. The property to the south is zoned single family residential and has an occupied home.
Plans are in the works to develop the site to a general retail use, specifically a new Dollar General location. If the project moves forward, there would be a 9,100-square-foot building, parking lot, landscaping and an onsite stormwater management system. The building would be connected to public water and sewer.
Homeowner Nate Chapman voiced his disapproval at both the plan commission and council meetings to the rezoning, citing his objections that included increased traffic. He also informed the council that he and other neighbors had not been notified in what he believed had to be a 10-day notice. He also spoke to what he referred to as “spot” zoning.
After some input by council members and the town attorney, it was noted that there has not been spot zoning, but perhaps inconsistent zoning.
Also speaking against the petition was audience member Dreama Tener. Her objections seem to center around allowing a second business that will likely provide similar products as the existing Family General store in the near downtown area.
Tener said, “We have a need now for other kinds of businesses. I’m not against a store coming in, but we already have a similar store.”
Others speaking were in favor of new business moving into the community. Aaron Williams said, “I would like to see growth. When is the last time anyone came to Bourbon?”
Business owner Robin Racoltas said, “They saw potential in our little town.” She went on to say she would welcome increased traffic. She said she had moved her business back to Bourbon from Warsaw in 1994. “This is an awesome location. I don’t think we can shut down anything. As a business owner, I don’t know how we can say no.” Racolta said.
Council member P.J. Hanley said he was at an event where people were talking about the rezoning. “There were only two against it. The majority is in favor. “
Brandi Greer said, “They (Dollar General) have pursued us for 13 years.” She said they were doing it for their children.
Bourbon Clerk/Treasurer Kim Berger spoke briefly to the need for tax dollars and residential housing. Referring to the need for town revenue, Berger said, “We gotta look at our schools, too.” She said the assessed value of Bourbon has gone from $54,502,000 in 2008 to $38,858,823 due to lack of businesses and businesses lost.
The plan commission approved the petition on a 6-2 vote. However, the Bourbon Town Council approval also was required. After the council members voted 3-0 in favor, they thanked those who attended and gave their opinions.
In another matter, the pending sale of a property owned by the town on Center Street may be close to being finalized. The town has spent some $24,000 to have a dilapidated house demolished and trees removed. Council member Larry Wattenberger said there was only one bidder from an auction held in April. The bid was for $20,000 by Steve Duff with interest for Marshall County Habitat for Humanity.”
At this point, there is a grant to fund Phase I for soil testing. Wattenberger said they might have to change the deadlines for building on the site that had been tied to the sale if the group moves forward. “If we get a good report, it’s a done deal.”
The council returned to discussions convening the five properties owned by Karen Holms. Town attorney Mark Wagner was absent from the council meeting in April when the council voted to reject an offer by Holmes to settle an outstanding $20,000 bill for city services. Wagner had been negotiating with Holms through her attorney. She had offered a payment of $9,000 and requested a grace period of many months to stop the minimum charges for utilities.
In April, the council voted unanimously to reject the offer. However, Wagner stated his position again at the May meeting. Wagner said he has been negotiating with the attorney representing Holms and indicated that there could be a $10,000 payment, but Holms wanted an eight-month grace period.
Wagner said, “At some point you have to be a little practical.” He went on to say they could seek deadlines to bring the properties up to an operating place and be rented or sold.
Wattenberger made a motion for an upfront payment of $10,000 and a five-month grace period for additional utilities charges. Wagner will bring the offer to Holm through her attorney and report back at the June council meeting.
The vote on the motion was 2-1 with Handley voting against it.
In an unusual move, Bill Keyser, Bourbon Zoning/Building, was appointed as executor of the estate of the Elizabeth Cary property on West Center Street. The property and house on the site has been in severe disrepair. Wagner said Keyser will seek approval from the courts for expenditures to renovate as needed.
Students Jacob Farley and Hadassah Chupp, representing the Community Destination Imagination team, appeared before the council to ask for financial support for three teams to participate in the Global Finals in Knoxville, Tenn., from May 22 to 27. The cost for the travel and other expenses is $800 per person. There are nine team members. So far, they have raised $3,000. The council voted 3-0 to donate $500. An audience member listening to their request donated $50.
The town may be seeking the services of a new dispatching group. Council President Les McFarland said the fees paid last year to Marshall County Dispatchers totaled $8,300. He said he was told the fee would increase to $18,553. Dispatchers field police and EMS calls for Bourbon.
Latest News
E-Editions
Many were there to voice their opinions on a proposed rezoning request for an empty parcel of land on Ind. 331.
The matter had come before the plan commission after Brandi and Gale Greer and Bourbon Partners LLC petitioned to have the property rezoned from single family residential (A) to general business (GB).
Land to both the north and east had previously been rezoned to general business. The property to the south is zoned single family residential and has an occupied home.
Plans are in the works to develop the site to a general retail use, specifically a new Dollar General location. If the project moves forward, there would be a 9,100-square-foot building, parking lot, landscaping and an onsite stormwater management system. The building would be connected to public water and sewer.
Homeowner Nate Chapman voiced his disapproval at both the plan commission and council meetings to the rezoning, citing his objections that included increased traffic. He also informed the council that he and other neighbors had not been notified in what he believed had to be a 10-day notice. He also spoke to what he referred to as “spot” zoning.
After some input by council members and the town attorney, it was noted that there has not been spot zoning, but perhaps inconsistent zoning.
Also speaking against the petition was audience member Dreama Tener. Her objections seem to center around allowing a second business that will likely provide similar products as the existing Family General store in the near downtown area.
Tener said, “We have a need now for other kinds of businesses. I’m not against a store coming in, but we already have a similar store.”
Others speaking were in favor of new business moving into the community. Aaron Williams said, “I would like to see growth. When is the last time anyone came to Bourbon?”
Business owner Robin Racoltas said, “They saw potential in our little town.” She went on to say she would welcome increased traffic. She said she had moved her business back to Bourbon from Warsaw in 1994. “This is an awesome location. I don’t think we can shut down anything. As a business owner, I don’t know how we can say no.” Racolta said.
Council member P.J. Hanley said he was at an event where people were talking about the rezoning. “There were only two against it. The majority is in favor. “
Brandi Greer said, “They (Dollar General) have pursued us for 13 years.” She said they were doing it for their children.
Bourbon Clerk/Treasurer Kim Berger spoke briefly to the need for tax dollars and residential housing. Referring to the need for town revenue, Berger said, “We gotta look at our schools, too.” She said the assessed value of Bourbon has gone from $54,502,000 in 2008 to $38,858,823 due to lack of businesses and businesses lost.
The plan commission approved the petition on a 6-2 vote. However, the Bourbon Town Council approval also was required. After the council members voted 3-0 in favor, they thanked those who attended and gave their opinions.
In another matter, the pending sale of a property owned by the town on Center Street may be close to being finalized. The town has spent some $24,000 to have a dilapidated house demolished and trees removed. Council member Larry Wattenberger said there was only one bidder from an auction held in April. The bid was for $20,000 by Steve Duff with interest for Marshall County Habitat for Humanity.”
At this point, there is a grant to fund Phase I for soil testing. Wattenberger said they might have to change the deadlines for building on the site that had been tied to the sale if the group moves forward. “If we get a good report, it’s a done deal.”
The council returned to discussions convening the five properties owned by Karen Holms. Town attorney Mark Wagner was absent from the council meeting in April when the council voted to reject an offer by Holmes to settle an outstanding $20,000 bill for city services. Wagner had been negotiating with Holms through her attorney. She had offered a payment of $9,000 and requested a grace period of many months to stop the minimum charges for utilities.
In April, the council voted unanimously to reject the offer. However, Wagner stated his position again at the May meeting. Wagner said he has been negotiating with the attorney representing Holms and indicated that there could be a $10,000 payment, but Holms wanted an eight-month grace period.
Wagner said, “At some point you have to be a little practical.” He went on to say they could seek deadlines to bring the properties up to an operating place and be rented or sold.
Wattenberger made a motion for an upfront payment of $10,000 and a five-month grace period for additional utilities charges. Wagner will bring the offer to Holm through her attorney and report back at the June council meeting.
The vote on the motion was 2-1 with Handley voting against it.
In an unusual move, Bill Keyser, Bourbon Zoning/Building, was appointed as executor of the estate of the Elizabeth Cary property on West Center Street. The property and house on the site has been in severe disrepair. Wagner said Keyser will seek approval from the courts for expenditures to renovate as needed.
Students Jacob Farley and Hadassah Chupp, representing the Community Destination Imagination team, appeared before the council to ask for financial support for three teams to participate in the Global Finals in Knoxville, Tenn., from May 22 to 27. The cost for the travel and other expenses is $800 per person. There are nine team members. So far, they have raised $3,000. The council voted 3-0 to donate $500. An audience member listening to their request donated $50.
The town may be seeking the services of a new dispatching group. Council President Les McFarland said the fees paid last year to Marshall County Dispatchers totaled $8,300. He said he was told the fee would increase to $18,553. Dispatchers field police and EMS calls for Bourbon.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092