Jeremy Young wants to have two tracts of ground totaling slightly more than 30 acres rezoned from agricultural to commercial. After the regular monthly meeting of the Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission today in Warsaw, he is one step closer to his objective.

The property is located along the west side of SR 13, south of CR 800 North in Tippecanoe Township. If the rezoning is approved, the intent is to build a marina on the property.

Some nearby property owners had questions about the rezoning petition, including Greg Kern who asked what type of business would be going on the property. Chuck Haffner of the APC noted the area is developing commercially between Syracuse and North Webster and will continue to do so.

The APC unanimously recommended approval of the petition and it will be considered by the county commissioners at their Aug. 26 meeting.

In other business, the APC approved a preliminary plat for Nathan Goldenberg to have a three-lot residential development on about eight-tenths of an acre of land on the east dead end of Venetian Drive in Turkey Creek Township. But there was considerable discussion about the petition first.

Steve Snyder, attorney representing Goldenberg, said the area is served by the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District and the only part of the plat not meeting the subdivision ordinance requirements is the roadway will only be about 28 feet wide, not 30 feet as required. The plan is to extend Venetian Drive for the roadway.

Snyder noted, though, Goldenberg would agree to a restrictive covenant requiring the roadway be privately maintained and a turnaround would be built since there is no cul-de-sac. Larry Coplen of the APC asked about fire safety and was told by fellow board member Kevin McSherry it would be a challenge for fire trucks. Snyder said the road would be close enough to the water, though, to allow access to it if needed.

Initially, Haffner made a motion to deny the petition because two lots would be a better option and less crowded. His motion was not seconded. Dick Kemper then moved to approve the petition with the conditions the county does not have to maintain the roadway, it is widened to 30 feet and the turnaround is installed. His motion was approved 6-2 with Haffner and Lee Harman voting no.

Also on the agenda, David and Teresa Kotterman’s petition to revise a subdivision plat was tabled until the Sept. 3 meeting. They intend to correct problems created by a previous property owner on Blue Spruce Court, east of Ferguson Road in Wayne Township. A previous property owner obtained a permit to have a pool installed, but when it was built it did not meet the county setback requirements. They also intended to eliminate a 20-foot drainage easement and it was discovered a shed on the property also does not meet setback requirements.

The Kottermans want to enclose the pool and use it year round. The petition was tabled to allow more time to work with the previous property owner.

In other business, the APC recommended approval to vacate several road right of ways in Epworth Forest, North Webster. The lots were never developed as originally platted. Fencing is being installed to improve security in Epworth Forest, but can’t be installed across a right of way for a road.

The lots will not be sold in the future, thus the request to vacate the roads. The lots will later be combined. County commissioners will consider the request at their Aug. 26 meeting.

Other items included:

• A preliminary plat petition for a one-lot residential subdivision for Nifong Farms Holdings on CR 875W in Etna Township was approved.
• George Buckingham’s petition for a three-lot subdivision on Forest Glen Road, east of Cripplegate in Plain Township, was tabled until the Sept. 3 meeting to allow more time for a drainage plan and working with the county health department about placement of septic tanks.
• Doug Ruch is the newest member of the APC, appointed by the town of Milford and filling the slot previously held by Keith Hardy.