Ms. Swackhamer stated that the Board had received letters tonight from Beverly Waymire, Vickie Shields and Becky Drown all in opposition along with comments from Mr. Rawlings stating that he did not see any additional pest concerns and this facility would be beneficial and was much needed.
Ms. Knapp asked if site pad would be graveled.
Mr. Leach stated it would be asphalt.
Ms. Fritch made a motion to approve BZA 03-26 the appeal filed by Ella Jean Blevins and Muncie Sanitary District, with the hardship as stated in the application with the following conditions; 1) That Wilson Road be repaved and gravel shoulders installed prior to the use of the site and; 2) That Article XXXI Section 14 of the City of Muncie Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance be followed. Ms. Knapp 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, BZA 03-26 approved (7-0).
Being a public hearing on the matter of an application filed by The Muncie-Delaware County Area Senior Citizens Council, Inc. and DCRT, LLC, requesting a variance of use from the terms of the City of Muncie Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to allow a business for counseling and medical services in a residence zone, on premises located at 2517 West 8th Street, Muncie, Indiana, as more accurately described in the application.
Mr. Wiseley stated that he had a conflict in this matter and that if any legal questions were asked, the Board would need to seek alternate legal counsel.
Jay Deutchman, Manager for DCRT, White Plains, New York, appeared. He stated that they had come to Muncie in August because it was a great place to develop. He stated that they were pro restoration of properties and that they had restored 18 and that they were purchasing more. He stated that DCRT had a contract to purchase the Senior Center which would have needed to close otherwise. He stated that they provide services to underserved populations, veterans, senior citizens and their families and that those services were based on donations. He stated that they would be renovating the building which would allow them to provide more services to approximately 2,600 people each month. He stated that they had many people in support and had over 150 signatures of those individuals who were happy to see the building remain operational.
Ms. Mathewson asked if after mailing the notices had they received any negative comments.
Mr. Deutchman stated no, people don’t want to see the building empty.
Mr. Hinds asked if the Senior Center would be renting their current space for $1.00 and asked what the term of that lease was.
Mr. Deutchman stated that it was open ended right now and that he hoped that they stayed there forever since they plan to grow the senior center and veteran programs. He stated that the counseling center was a for profit facility which was how they could afford to do the needed renovations.