Mr. Hinds stated that there were 5 homes directly behind the facility and asked if any of those neighbors had given any comments about the request.

Pastor Earl Venable, Mt. Calvary Church appeared. He stated that a few of those neighbors came to the church when they received their letters to ask questions and that once he explained it, they all thought it was a great idea. He stated that on the 3rd Sunday of each month they have a food bank open and that everyone was welcome and no one was turned away. He stated that IU Health and Ball Memorial Hospital do blood pressure screenings and that they were trying to reach people who had fears of going to the hospital by bringing the hospital to them. He stated that they were running out of room and that they want more space for kids to have a safe place to go after school.

Mayor Ridenour appeared and stated that they had been discussing this for several years and have had several meetings, and that this would be a benefit for the entire community and was very supportive and appreciated what they were doing with the church.

Commissioner Brand appeared and stated that anyone who knew Pastor Venable knows that he makes the community better and he encouraged the board to vote in favor.

No one appeared in opposition.

Ms. Swackhamer stated that Mr. Rawlings had no concerns about the request and stated that they kept the property very well maintained.

Ms. Fritch made a motion to approve BZA 18-26 the appeal filed by Mt. Calvary COGIC, with the hardship as stated in the application. Mr. Ivy seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Mr. Billington, Ms. Fritch, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Hinds, Mr. Ivy, Ms. Knapp, and Ms. Mathewson. Voting against: None. Motion carried (7-0), BZA 18-26 approved.

BZA 19-26
Jurisdiction: Board of Zoning Appeals
Being a public hearing on the matter of an application filed by Shelby & Kegan Newsome, requesting variances from the terms of the Delaware County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, to allow a mobile home with a reduced square footage, and to allow no permanent foundation, all for a temporary dwelling in a farm zone, on premises located at the West 9000 block of West County Road 750 North, Gaston, Indiana, as more accurately described in the application.

Shelby Newsome, Gaston, Indiana, appeared. She stated that less than a year ago they had purchased 7 acres from her husband’s grandfather with the hopes of building a home for their family. She stated that they had sold their home and had been living with family and would like to be on the property while they build their new home. She stated that they need an address in order to move forward with the bank, and that they needed the variances for the structure since it would not meet the square footage. She stated that they would be in