Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission approved two cases, denied one and continued another at its meeting Wednesday.
It also gave a favorable recommendation for a revised cargo box ordinance amendment.
The board approved a case for Morgedy. The petition is for preliminary plat approval for a commercial development on a 18.886-acre tract of ground.
The property is located on the east side of Ind. 13, north of CR 400N, North Webster, in Tippecanoe Township.
The case was continued from last month. At issue was site visibility at the intersection, mainly due to a hill. A traffic study was also conducted.
While INDOT didn’t make a recommendation, it suggested Ind. 13 was better for the main entrance and CR 400N be used as a secondary entrance.
Attorney Steve Snyder said he spoke to County Highway Superintendent Steve Moriarty and he agreed and said Ind. 13 is a better entrance and exit.
“The visibility we can’t change. We can only conform,” said Snyder.
The board accepted the revised preliminary plat as presented. Loose Moose Motorsports is looking at moving into the property.
Annette Knepper’s petition for preliminary approval for a residential development on 18.8 acres was approved.
The property is located on the west side of EMS C28 Lane, north of EMS C28E Lane in Plain Township. Located near Big Chapman Lake, it is a 19-lot residential plat.
One of the issues was drainage easements. There must be specific plans for water run off and how it will be controlled. There will be water retention areas where necessary, said Snyder, who represented Knepper.
“There will be a catch basin,” he said.
Snyder said all lots will eventually be connected to Tippecanoe-Chapman Regional Sewer District, possibly in 2025. Holding tanks can be used until that happens, said Snyder.
“This is a straight-forward plat,” said Snyder.
APC Director Matt Sandy read the names of those who said they support the case. The case was approved as presented, noting the sewer and drainage plans.
Robert and Loretta Stutzman petitioned to rezone 11.17 acres from an agricultural district to an agricultural-II district.
The property is located on the north side of CR 1100N, west of Ind. 19 in Scott Township.
“It is compatible with an ag two subdivision,” said Snyder, the Stutzman’s attorney.
Soil type, however, is an issue due to installing a septic system. Certain soil types must be suitable for a septic system, according to the county health department.
“I don’t know if we can get a septic system in there,” said Sandy. “That’s one thing we need to find out first.”
“Drainage and tile is an issue for me,” said Bob Conley, an APC board member.
The case was continued for up to 60 days in order to get a plan for a septic system.
The board denied a vacation request for Albert Deckys for his property, an alleyway in Atwood, due to two remonstrators’ objections.
The case goes to the county commissioners next for its decision.
In other business, the commission:
• Approved a final plat on CR 900N, east of Ind. 13 in Turkey Creek Township for Erlenwein Acres.
• Approved a favorable recommendation for a cargo box ordinance amendment. The next step is for the case to be sent to county commissioners for its decision.
The next meeting is at 1 p.m. June 5.