The proposed exterior of the former REMAX building in North Webster after renovations are complete.

By Maggie Kenworthy
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Both Milford and North Webster will see improvements coming to existing buildings after approval from the Kosciusko Board of Zoning Appeals at Tuesday’s meeting, April 13.

The board heard two requests related to a new Family Express gas station to be located at 740 S. Main St., North Webster, which currently includes an existing gas station and a REMAX office. The first request is for an exception to allow a drive-in business that consists of a convenience store, gasoline and retail sales in a commercial district.

The second request is a variance to permit the existing canopy to remain as placed, a new canopy placed at 24 feet from the right-of-way, an existing building to remain at 20 feet from the water’s edge, a trash enclosure to exist at 10 feet from the right-of-way and to allow 42 parking spaces instead of the 74 required by ordinance.

Attorney Steve Snyder was present representing these requests. He explained that the existing gas station building would be removed and the REMAX building would be used as the main convenience store location. The existing canopy would hold two gas pumps to service larger recreational vehicles and vehicles towing boats while a new canopy would be constructed for general gas pumps. The building would also contain a pet wash and a sit-down restaurant inside with additional outside seating.

Snyder described the business as becoming a “very attractive property.”

Greg Cobb, owner of Freedom Oil, is associated with the remodel. An agreement is underway to sell the Freedom Oil properties to Family Express. He stated that this was a “great opportunity for North Webster and Family Express to come in and improve a facility.

The board agreed that Cobb has a positive track record in the county with similar projects. The board voted unanimously to approve these two requests.

The board also heard a request made by Daniel Killinger related to the old Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, 505 W. Fourth St., Milford. The request is for an exception to allow 23 multi-family dwellings in a residential district.

Gavin Troyer, the general contractor for the project, explained that there would be very few changes made to the actual building besides remodeling the space into apartment units. The main changes would include adding landscaping screening around the property, adding a fenced-in dog run for residents and adding additional parking spaces.

Once completed, the building would consist of 14 one-bedroom, eight two-bedroom, and one three-bedroom apartments. The apartments would range from $850 to $1,800 per month with all utilities included. The remaining square footage inside the building would be used for a shared laundry facility and paid storage for tenants.

The board also approved this request unanimously.

Many more requests were heard during the remainder of the meeting. Details on those can be found here.

The complete site plan for the proposed Family Express property in North Webster.