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Despite a strong recommendation from the plan board, opponents of a proposed asphalt plant brought in reinforcements Tuesday.
Regardless of whether it was needed, opponents added three faces - two car dealers and an environmentalist - in their zoning battle.
The Kosciusko County Commissioners accepted a recommendation from the plan commission and unanimously denied a request to rezone land north of Warsaw for a proposed asphalt plant.
Ranger Materials of Warsaw wanted to have the plant located north of County Road 300N and 200W just outside of the Industrial Corridor. The site is located near a gravel pit and a former temporary asphalt plant, but is also close to several residences and a wooded area that is a haven for blue herons.
Ranger attorney Rick Helm implored the commissioners to look at the facts. He argued the facility would be an appropriate and compatible use for the area.
But about 30 people - mostly area residents - attended the meeting and opposed the plan.
In addition to property owners who said the plant would hurt property values, the commissioners heard new concerns not voiced two weeks ago at the plan commission.
Car dealer Steve Petro, with Dan Rice at his side, said he had major concerns about air pollutants that could damage the finish on his cars. Rice and Petro are among a throng of car dealers located on Ind. 15N. Petro estimated the combined inventory of the lots has a value of nearly $20 million.
David Eiler, president of the Tippecanoe Audubon Society, pointed out the site is located near the Rosebrugh Woods, considered one of the best undisturbed forest tracts in the state, and a blue heron nesting colony.
"We oppose developments of any kind that might pose short-term or long-term environmental threats to the colony and to the wooded river corridor where it is located," Eiler said.
The issue was debated for nearly an hour. Commissioner Eddie Creighton attempted to put a limit on discussion, which angered some opponents.
One opponent suggested the county might be supporting the plan, but two of the commissioners quickly retorted, with one saying there was no conspiracy on the part of the county.
