Julie Meares, Executive Director of the Muncie-Delaware Senior Center appeared. She stated that last year alone they spent over $58,000 in maintenance and repairs to the building with only $5,000 of that coming from grants. She stated that there were repairs that needed to be made and that placed a huge financial strain on their $150,000 budget. She stated that the seniors that attended programs currently were in need of counseling services and that this was a great way to serve them where they already were. She stated that DCRT had been a blessing and that they were providing those much needed opportunities.

Mayor Ridenour appeared. He stated that he had known Ms. Meares for many years and that she was doing a great job. He stated that he had known Mr. Deutchman for a little while and that he did a wonderful job with his renovation projects and that he has seen his passion for his work and services. He stated that no one wants to see this building sit empty and that Mr. Deutchman’s commitment to his projects had the City’s support.

James Heimlick, Muncie, Indiana, appeared. He stated that he served on the Board for the Senior Center so of course he was in support. He stated that he also served as the Historic Preservation Officer and that he has seen other organizations that had wonderful missions and goals but were saddled with a building needed much work. He stated that this was a different approach where they would be working with a partner and that he was pleased with the Board for considering a different way to solve this issue.

Patrick Womak, a Board Member in charge of the Veteran’s Programs, appeared. He stated that he lived just 2 blocks south of this property and was familiar with its history. He stated that Mr. Deutchamn had been a blessing and that Ms. Meares was very helpful in working with as many veterans as possible. He stated that they had a coffee club that saw as many as 100-120 veterans and that with the legal services and counseling they could reach more people and give them a safe place to come to for help when they need it.

Commissioner Brand appeared and stated that this was a unique opportunity to correct years of deferred maintenance, safety, and aesthetic concerns. He stated that this facility was on a bus route which was helpful for those folks who need to utilize a facility such as this. He stated that he had been a neighboring property owner for 23 years, a property which had been in his family for 60 years, and that he was excited to see this for the neighborhood and stated that the request had received a Favorable Recommendation from the Plan Commission.

Pastor Albert Isbell, with the New Norm appeared. He stated that this was much needed and welcomed in the neighborhood. He stated that he was a Board Member at the Senior Center and that everyone was carrying a full load and that this was a plus for providing access to services for people in need.

No one appeared in opposition.

Ms. Swackhamer stated that Mr. Rawlings had no concerns with the request and that it had received a Favorable Recommendation (7-0) from the Plan Commission.

Ms. Fritch made a motion to approve BZA 16-26 an appeal filed by The Muncie-Delaware County Area Senior Citizens Council, Inc. and DCRT, LLC with the hardship as stated in the application with the condition that the variance shall be for the applicant only and will not transfer with the property.

Mr. Deutchman stated that the idea of it being for the applicant only could get complicated if DCRT ever sold the property. He stated that he would ask that it be for the address, not just the applicant.