The Kosciusko Redevelopment Commission voted Thursday to recommend approval of a plan to establish an overlay district along Ind. 15, just north and south of Warsaw.
The Redevelopment Commission's recommendation will be sent to the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners who will make the final decision, possibly at a meeting Sept. 4.
Assistant County Planner Matt Sandy presented a revised map and set of development criteria for the district. County planning officials have been working for six months to establish the district. The Area Plan Commission tabled an initial map and criteria in July to provide time for more review. The purpose for the overlay district is to provide the county with a set of criteria to guide the commercial and industrial development within the district.
Discussions on the development of an overlay district began when work started on the Louis Dreyfus plant near Claypool. The northern area also was included after plans to connect Leesburg to Warsaw's sewer system were started.
The criteria would limit the number of accesses to Ind. 15 and set standards for lighting, signage and aesthetics for new business construction within the district.
Wednesday, the Area Plan Commission also voted to recommend the overlay plan. If the county commissioners approve the plan Sept. 4, they may choose the date for implementation of the plan. County Plan Director Dan Richard said he expects, if approved, the overlay play will be implemented gradually.
The Redevelopment Commission's vote was unanimous in favor of the overlay plan.
Redevelopment Commission member Bruce Woodward said, though the plan will mean more government oversight of property development, he thinks it will be beneficial to the county.
"I think it is a tool for promoting the development of our county in an organized manner," Woodward said.
