certified counselor and that they were seeing 70 suicides per day. He stated that he was only 1 person and that this partnership would save many lives. He stated that he was a Senior Center Board Member and that this would be helping with their finances because it was hard to rely on fundraisers and donations. He stated that this would be very good for the community and the neighborhood and he supported the request.

Mayor Ridenour appeared to speak in support. He stated that he had been meeting with Ms. Meares for several years trying to come up with a solution and that there had been some difficult conversations about moving or possibly closing. He stated that Mr. Deutchman coming to them was a blessing and that he had a heart for the work that he does. He stated that he had met with Mr. Deutchman and had seen other buildings he had restored and that this was a great overall fit. He stated that the programs would help the veterans, the seniors and the neighborhood and asked that they forward a favorable recommendation to the BZA.

Bob King appeared and stated that he owned properties at 2501, 2505, and 2517 W. 9^th St., Muncie. He stated that he had been associated with the neighborhood for many years and that his properties were kept very well maintained. He stated that he strongly supported the Senior Center and their plans to maintain the integrity of the structure. He stated that he had some concerns about the traffic since there were small children and school buses in the neighborhood. He also hoped that this would remain a medical and counseling facility and not change to a drug rehab center in a few years. He stated that he was not in opposition, he just had some concerns and wanted to see it maintained as a medical practice.

Ms. Swackhamer clarified that this would be for the uses listed only.

Mr. Brand asked that if this body made a favorable recommendation the matter would then go to the BZA and if the special use was approved it would be for this business only.

Ms. Swackhamer stated that was correct.

No one appeared in opposition.

Mr. Deutchamn stated that he was under the impression that the use as a counseling center for behavioral health which covers mental health, eating disorders, substance abuse, and alcohol treatment was all under the umbrella of counseling and that use would be zoned with the building and stay with the address.

Ms. Swackhamer stated that this was not a rezoning and that ultimately the BZA could place a condition that the request was for the applicant only and would not transfer with the property. She stated that Mr. Deutchman could bring up that concern with the BZA at the meeting.

Mr. Brand stated that his family had owned the property at 1601 South Clark Street which was diagonal to this property for over 7 decades and that he had owned it for the past 23 years. He stated that he had remodeled his property and shared the same concerns about maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood, which was improving, and that he hoped that this continued to improve the character of the neighborhood.

Mr. Brand made a favorable recommendation for BZA 16-26 requesting a special use. Mr. Carroll 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), BZA 16-26 will be forwarded to The Board of Zoning Appeals at their May 28, 2026 regular meeting.