Board Members Ron Robinson and Randy Cox chat before the meeting begins.

KOSCIUSKO — During the Kosciusko Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held today, Feb. 12, board members heard a petition from Webster Lodge to allow housing for specialized clients in a commercial district.

Attorney Steven Snyder represented the lodge, which is located at 811 S. Main St., North Webster. Snyder joked that the motel is currently not-for-profit because the facility has not made a profit for many years. The new owners are currently in the process of becoming an approved not-for-profit with the International Revenue Service.

The ultimate goal is that the building would provide housing for men recently off of alcohol or drug treatment. Snyder advised that the facility would house anywhere from 14 to 28 residents at a time. The facility would be faith-based with an on-site manager and “very stringent” rules.

Before the discussion was opened up for comment, it was noted that the town of North Webster sent a letter to the board requesting that the business be continued. North Webster authorities would like to receive more details about the project at their next meeting.

Resident Michael Lackey spoke in opposition of the petition as the back of his property is adjacent to the Webster Lodge. He stated that he has concerns that the lodge would attract people to the area who have an “increased risk” to commit crimes. He was also concerned regarding his property value and the property value of neighboring homes.

Don Coverstone, representing American Legion Post 253, also expressed a few concerns. He stated that he did not personally support the proposed use of the building but would work on gathering information from others at American Legion Post 253.

The board moved to table the petition until the next meeting on March 12. That will give the town of North Webster time to hold a board meeting.

In other business:

• The board denied a petition for a variance at 10393 N. North Channel, Syracuse, requested by Kurt Heinz. Board members said that they requested a new plan at last month’s meeting but Heinz presented his plan unchanged at this month’s meeting.
• A request by Leesburg SR 13 Group for a variance to allow 30 parking spaces for a commercial business instead of 91 parking spaces was tabled. Representatives of the group were asked to bring back a detailed site plan.
• A variance to allow Round Table Partners to place a 32 square foot sign for the recently purchased mobile home park at 2798 Country Club Road, Warsaw, was approved.
• A petition for a variance to allow two commercial businesses in one building made by Skibowski Property Management was approved. The building, located at 740 S. Main St., North Webster, currently houses a real estate business. The variance was approved contingent that the new businesses would be office related and not retail.
• Jeff Heffelfinger petitioned for a variance to allow a shed to sit at the public right-of-way at his residence of 54 EMS B61 Lane, Warsaw. The shed has existed in the location for five years already. The board approved the variance contingent on the Kosciusko Commissioners approving an encroachment agreement that allows the shed to sit directly on the right-of-way.
• Mike Reiff was approved for an exception that allows a duplex, located at 2825 North CR 600E, Warsaw. The approval was given contingent on the condition that the property complies with septic and well requirements.
• Lana Hunter was granted a new blanket approval for exception requests at a seasonal mobile home park located at 8540 South CR 425W, Silver Lake. The blanket approval requires that any replacement unit would maintain the same setbacks as previously approved, would be in “good appearance” and approved by park management and each unit would be allowed one shed and one covered porch. The previous approval stated that all unit replacements had to be newer than 10 years old.
• JT’s Lakeside Campground, located at 6402 E. McKenna Road, Warsaw, was approved for an exception to allow the change and alteration of a non-conforming campground. The campground will be replacing their current office building.
• Frank Donahue was approved for a variance for a 12×14 residence addition at 5 EMS B6C Lane, Pierceton.
• G & G Hauling was approved for a variance at their CR 200N, Warsaw, location. The variance allows the placement of two office trailers, scales and portable restrooms.
• Timothy Yoder was approved for both an exception and variance at his 2299 N. Fox Farm Road, Warsaw, residence. The current tract of land will be split into two parcels, allowing the addition of a residence, two hoop buildings and a small Airbnb mobile “tiny house.”