Due to the recent uprise of local COVID-19 cases, many people chose to attend the meeting virtually versus in-person.

By Maggie Kenworthy
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — During the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held Monday night, Nov. 23, the board unanimously approved both requests that were brought forward.

Boggs Automotive, 1531 W. Lake St. requested a use variance to allow for an auto repair shop in a C-2 District.

The location is currently used as a commercial garage. In this area, there is already a gas station and an auto service and detailing business.

The petitioner intends to improve the current parking lot and bring it up to code. In addition, aesthetic enhancements will be made to the exterior of the building.

“Due to the existing automobile-oriented uses, as well as the existing use of the site, it is in the opinion of the planning department that the variance could be viewed favorably,” said Johnny Latsko, assistant planner.

Andy Tuinstra, representing Boggs Automotive, was present virtually to represent the request.

“We’re looking for a space to provide all forms of automotive repair, maintenance and even detail,” said Tuinstra.

Dale Long, owner of two adjacent lots, was attended the meeting and supported the request.

As is becoming the custom, the board provided a phone number that viewers online could use to call in and comment on the issue. There were no calls and the board then unanimously approved the request.

In another matter, Bright Signs Marketing requested a variance from developmental standards to allow a sign to be placed within 10 feet of the public right-of-way and 5 feet from the property line at 1195 Polk Drive. The sign would be for Nextremity Solutions and Lakeland Technology in the Warsaw Tech Park.

Latsko explained that the 10-foot requirement exists to maintain visibility for drivers but that the distance between the property line and the actual travel surface of the road is 16 feet. This would mean that the total distance between the sign and travel surface would be greater than 20 feet.

Jake Weber, representing Bright Signs Marketing, explained that the reason for the variance is because if the sign was located at the 10-foot location, the sign would be in a ditch and hard to see.

“Due to the lack of plans for roadway expansion and the grade conditions of the sign, it is the opinion of the planning department that the variance be granted,” said Latsko.

The board voted to unanimously approve this request.

Boggs Automotive was approved for an auto repair shop at 1531 W. Lake St.