Ms. Fritch made a motion to approve BZA 13-26 the appeal filed by Troy and Jerri Tucker, with the hardship as stated in the application with the condition that the barn be used for personal storage only. Mr. Hinds 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 13-26 approved.
Being a public hearing on the matter of an application filed by Lotus Muncie LLC, requesting a variance from the terms of the City of Muncie Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, to allow the redevelopment of an existing pole sign on a corridor road, on premises located at 414 North Madison Street, Muncie, Indiana, as more accurately described in the application.
Ashish Patel owner of Lotus of Muncie, LLC appeared requesting an existing pole sign by permitted to be reduced to 18’ in height.
Ms. Swackhamer asked if they would be able to use the sign as it currently was.
Ms. Swackhamer stated that in order to reface the sign they needed to bring it into compliance and that they were proposing to reduce the height from 30’ to 18’ tall.
Mr. Hinds asked when the sign when be completed.
Mr. Patel stated that upon approval the sign company was ready to install it.
Ms. Swackhamer stated that it could be 50’ tall and that the mention of 30’ tall may be from the City Building Commissioner.
Mr. Patel stated that it was 50’ tall.
Mayor Ridenour appeared in support and stated that this was an important property for Muncie, and that action had been taken to close the business under their previous ownership. He stated that the new owners had looked at several other properties before purchasing this site, and that they had been able to tour the inside and that everything was new. He stated that the opportunity to reduce any sign height was a positive and that this would fit with other plans for the city.
Commissioner Brand, appeared and echoed the Mayor’s comment that any opportunity for lower sign heights was good and that this was good for Delaware County and asked that they board approve the request.
No one appeared in opposition.