Mr. Smith asked if there were any plans to change the look of the building or did it meet his purposes as it was now.

Mr. Warner stated that it was ready to go and was a good building, so he would not be making any structural changes but that he might blacktop the parking lot which was gravel right now.

Mayor Ridenour appeared to speak in support. He stated that he had been a client in the early 2000’s and would go early in the morning and that there were never more than 12 cars at that time. He stated that he had known Mr. Warner for a long time and that this was a good reuse of the building and asked that the Board support the request.

Kenneth Huffman appeared. He stated that he had lived around the corner from the church for 48 years and had some questions. He stated that a fitness center was commendable but he had concerns of what business might be permitted in the future if Mr. Warner closes. He stated that he and many of the neighbors did not want to see a fast food type business in that area that would generate a lot of traffic. He asked if the rezoning would only be for this property or if it would include other lots in the neighborhood.

Mr. Warner stated that he had no plans of changes his business model and that his plan would be when he decided to retire, he would like to sell the business to someone that would continue the fitness training center with all of the equipment that he already had.

Mr. Brand made a favorable recommendation for MPC 04-26Z requesting a change in zoning from the R-2 Residence Zone to the BV Variety Business Zone. Mr. Ivy seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Mr. Brand, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Dishman, Ms. Hensley, Mr. Ivy, Ms. Sipe, and Mr. Smith. Voting against: None. Motion carried (7-0), MPC 04-26Z will be forwarded to City Council for introduction at their June 1, 2026 regular meeting.

BZA 16-26

Special Use

Jurisdiction: Board of Zoning Appeals

Being a consideration of an appeal filed by DCRT, LLC, requesting an expansion of a charitable institution special use to allow a counseling and medical service center in a residence zone at the premises of 2517 W 8^th Street, Muncie, Indiana, as more accurately described in the application.

Jay Deutchman, Manager of DCRT, LLC appeared. He stated that they were currently under contract to purchase the property where the Senior Center currently resides and would be closing in the next 60 days. He stated that they would keep the Veteran’s Program and the Senior Center and that they would be renovating the back portion of the building and increasing their services. He stated that the new programs would be open to those veterans and seniors and to their families as well. He stated that they wanted to add a continuing education program, a gym, and some counseling services that would all be out patient.

Mr. Smith asked what would be the biggest difference between now and in the next few months.

Mr. Deutchman stated that they planned to focus on mental health and that they would have a program to help those with PTSD and would be a licensed clinical program. He stated that they had purchased several properties to be used as supportive housing and that they have a lot of support from the community. He stated that they were into restoration and creating housing for people who needed it and that this renovation of around 25K square feet would increase their