MILFORD - An ongoing concern surrounding a parcel of land north of Milford took up the better part of the town's recent council meeting.
The land in question is a 225-acre tract owned by Harlan Beer. This is the third time that proposed uses for this land has become an issue. The land previously was offered as a site for a proposed ethanol refinery.The land is on the north side of CR 1300N, east of Old 15 in Van Buren Township. At issue is the proposal to develop the land into an industrial park.
A request to rezone the land for industrial use to a combined Industrial-III classification has already been before the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission. They gave a favorable recommendation on the request, which moves it to the Kosciusko County Commissioners for a vote.
Milford residents feel the rezoning request has been moving along without adequate information being provided back to the town. Given the amount of acreage, questions regarding the types of businesses to be brought in, traffic flow, what type of jobs would be made available, and how the overall development would impact the town's ability to provide services, were just a few concerns cited.
One of the biggest concerns is that the largest portion of the site (175 acres of the total 225) could be zoned to an I-III classification. The remaining 50 acres would be zoned I-II, a moderate industrial classification. Residents believe this does not allow for an adequate buffer zone between the industrial park and adjacent residences.
The Milford council had initially approved Beer's request for rezoning during their November 2007 meeting. According to Steve Snyder, attorney for Beers, until the town of Milford actually annexes the property, they have no say in the matter.
"From what I've read, and been told, and from what I'm hearing tonight, it appears the whole issue has changed enough ... that it allows council to reinsert itself into this issue," said Milford resident Bob Bowerman. "The fact that it's a significant portion of ground that is right up against the town, the fact that it will eventually drift over to meet 15, if this type of development comes, the fact that we are the closest town to that ... I think that there's ample evidence to allow you to reinsert yourself into this discussion. I want to encourage you to do just that.
"There's 1,500 people up here ... many of them voters, and they're going to listen to you," Bowerman told council. "I think there's an opportunity here for you folks as our leaders to take control of this situation and say time out ... I see an opportunity to come to a common agreement as to how that can be done. I think there's a win-win here. But I'm deeply concerned that by leaving it as it was first proposed, we're giving a blank check to these people."
After more debate, the council did approve the drafting of a letter to the county commissioners requesting that a vote on the rezoning be tabled until key issues can be fully addressed. As agreed upon, these concerns are: too much of the land has been given an I-III classification; there should be a better site map provided to council and the community; traffic flow should be adequately addressed: and more buffer area needs to be provided.
The county commissioners will meet again regarding this issue Feb. 19 at 9:30 a.m.
In other business, town attorney Jay Rigdon presented the council with the final draft for an ordinance regulating parking on Catherine Street. The ordinance states it shall be unlawful for any person to park a motor vehicle on Catherine Street between its intersection with Henry Street and its intersection with Higbee Street from Monday at 2 a.m. until Sunday at 2 a.m. This allows for church parking on Sundays. The ordinance was approved.
The issue of changing Milford's council elections procedure also was mentioned. The change considered is a change from voting in wards/districts to an at-large council election. It was decided to table this until next meeting, but to advertise the intention of changing the election procedure in order to allow for public input.
Rigdon reported the town is prepared to go to trial regarding the matter of the Charles Poe property, 310 E. Williams St.
Utilities Superintendent Dallas Winchester asked the council for approval to obtain engineering assessments for work needed on Catherine Street. This involves possible widening, new curbing, and new gutters. The council granted approval, with a cost not to exceed $28,000.
Winchester also said several residents who have been operating improper sump pumps have been notified that they are to stop diverting ground water run-off into the sanitary sewer system. However, because of the recent weather conditions, more time will be allowed for compliance.
The council granted approval for the parks department to purchase six new grills. Including shipping charges, cost is not to exceed $1,200.
Milford town council members are Gary Hurd, Robert Cockburn and Douglas Ruch.
