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More information is needed before the Winona Lake Town Council makes a decision on a lot size ordinance.
The Winona Lake Plan Commission recently recommended that the town pass an ordinance establishing a minimum square footage for homes built in town. If passed, the ordinance would require a single-story home to be at least 1,000 square feet, while a two-story house would need a minimum 800 square feet per level.
Patrons expressed concerns to the town council Tuesday about what the ordinance would mean for empty lots in town. Lots sized 40 feet by 80 feet would be too small for the 1,000-square-foot minimum, and the lots would have to remain empty.
According to clerk Retha Hicks, the plan commission would like to increase the value of homes in Winona Lake. If homes smaller than 1,000 square feet are allowed, the plan commission is afraid less expensive homes would be built and that they would not be kept up.
Hicks said several remonstrators - mostly builders and contractors - appeared before the plan commission with their concerns. The town council will get a more in-depth report of the remonstrators' concerns, and also find out how many lots would be affected, before making a decision on the ordinance.
In other business:
• Council conducted the public hearing on the 1997 budget. No remonstrators spoke against the budget.
• The major portion of the island sewer project is done, and work has begun on the bridge. Street superintendent Kim Endicott reported a decrease in the amount of time the pump is running.
• Council gave approval for 12-13 homeowners to receive money from a rehabilitation grant. About $90,000 of a $200,000 grant from the Indiana Housing Authority will be divided among the homeowners in the loan/grant program.
• Council is looking at blueprints for sewer hookup standards for residents who will be hooking on to the Wooster Road, CR 250E and other sewer projects.
• A certificate of approval will be sent to Jeff Cox in appreciation for his work for the town. Cox, who was assistant fire chief and emergency coordinator, recently accepted a position in Oregon.
