Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission Minutes

CALL TO ORDER:

Vice-President Mr. Carroll officially called the meeting to order. He welcomed those in attendance and requested that all individuals rise and join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Ms. Swackhamer called roll and the following members were present: Mr. Brand, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Dishman, Mr. Ivy, Ms. Kring, Mr. LaChat, and Ms. Sipe. Absent: Mr. Borchers, Ms. Hensley, Mr. Leach, and Ms. Sipe. Also present: Mr. Murphy, attorney for the Board.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Approval of Minutes: Mr. Brand made a motion to approve the August 2026 regular meeting minutes as presented. Ms. Sipe seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Mr. Brand, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Dishman, Mr. Ivy, Mr. LaChat, and Ms. Sipe. Voting against: None. Motion carried (6-0).

Procedural Reminders: Prior to beginning the public hearings, Mr. Carroll announced standard procedural guidelines for the evening: all cellular devices must be silenced; for each case, a designated representative of the applicant should present from the podium, stating their name and summarizing the request; following the applicant's presentation, members of the public would have the opportunity to speak in support of or in opposition to the request; thereafter, the applicant would receive a final opportunity to address any public comments or concerns. All comments should be kept brief, respectful, and directed to the podium and the board rather than individual audience members. The Commission's role is to deliver either a favorable or unfavorable recommendation to either the County Commissioners, City Council, or BZA for consideration.

NEW BUSINESS

BZA 55-26 — Deborah A. Hardin

Special Use Jurisdiction: Board of Zoning Appeals

Being an appeal filed by Deborah A. Hardin, requesting a Special Use Variance to allow a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in an R-3 Residence Zone at the premises of 3410 North New York Avenue, Muncie, Indiana, as more accurately described in the application.

Petitioner Testimony Deborah A. Hardin (3410 N. New York Ave., Muncie, IN) explained that she is 71 years old, a retired state employee of 17 years, and currently resides alone in a large three-bedroom house with a sizeable yard. Due to advancing age and chronic medical conditions, she can no longer independently handle the physical upkeep of the primary residence and property. Ms. Hardin requested permission to construct a 400-square-foot 'tiny home' accessory dwelling unit on the parcel. Under the proposed living arrangement, Ms. Hardin will reside in the ADU while her daughter and her family move into the main residence. This will enable her daughter to provide daily care and assistance. Furthermore,