The four billboards discussed are located at the intersection of Pickwick and Cornelius roads and Eastshore Drive near Syracuse and are next to the CSX Railroad tracks. (File Photo)

KOSCIUSKO — Though the Blue Barn Berry Farm topic was discussed at length during the Kosciusko Board of Appeals meeting held this afternoon, June 11, many other topics were brought up during the four-hour meeting.

While mystery still surrounds the origin of several billboards near the intersection of Pickwick and Cornelius roads and Eastshore Drive, Syracuse, a decision was made regarding their future.

Attorney Steve Snyder was present at the meeting, representing both Wawasee Boat Co. and RE/MAX Partners. He explained that the Wawasee Boat Co. billboard has been in place since 1959 but a new, blank billboard has appeared within the last six months.

Board members granted variances and exceptions to allow the three established billboards to remain on the property for as long as the companies remain in business. Once one of the businesses close, its billboard will be removed. The Planning Department will contact the Kosciusko Highway Department about removing the remaining billboard that no one has claimed ownership for.

In other news:

• The exception request made by Jacob Ponko to allow a home occupation of dog breeding at 1215 East CR 350N, Warsaw, was continued for another month. Neighbors expressed concern over the welfare of the animals and Ponko was unable to attend the meeting.
• William McClelland of 14 EMS T6 Lane, Leesburg, was granted a variance for an existing fence to remain as constructed that is taller than three feet. The approval is contingent on the fact that the fence is not located on a drainage and utility easement.
• Mark and Donna Johnson, EMS B42 Lane, Warsaw, were granted a variance to allow the construction of a new residence addition 9.3 feet from the right-of-way and 3.3 feet from the north sideline.
• Antonio and Thelma Chavez were approved for a variance that would allow them to build a new residence within 28.3 feet of the right-of-way on EMS C31 Lane, Warsaw. Their variance to build within 25 feet of the water’s edge was denied.
• Damian and Ginger Carboneau of Warsaw Storage were approved for an exception to allow a storage warehouse building in a commercial district located near the intersection of SR 15 and CR 400N, Warsaw.
• Ernest and Christina Miller of 13310 North CR 400W, Milford, were approved for a variance to allow three residences on one tract of land. The approval is contingent upon restrictive covenants put on the property that all three residences must be occupied by the same family.
• Jacob and Karen Wine of 408 N. Indiana St., Pierceton, were approved for a variance to permit the change and alteration of a non-conforming concrete porch.
• Herman Miller, 9946 West CR 600N, Etna Green, was approved for a variance to construct a barn 9 feet from the right-of-way.
• Lee Chupp was approved for a temporary variance to allow two residences on one tract of land on CR 900N, Nappanee.
• Steve Brown was approved for a variance to allow a gazebo to be built 15 feet from the right-of-way and 7.8 feet from the water’s edge on EMS W29B Lane, North Webster.
• Larry Schwartz was approved for a variance for the reconfiguration of property lines for 9782 West CR 1200N and 9720 West CR 1200N, Nappanee.
• Bruce Burris was approved for a variance to allow the construction of a deck 9 feet from a sideline and 31 feet from the right-of-way at 36 EMS D18C Lane, Syracuse.
• Steve and Shannon Plummer were approved for a variance that permits a residence addition and deck at 158 EMS B60 Lane, Warsaw. Their variance request for a shed 4 feet from the right-of-way was denied.
• David Davidsen of Davidsen’s Pier was denied a variance to permit additional unscreened non-saleable goods/materials other than what commercial criteria permits. The board explained that Davidsen has historically not been in compliance with requirements.
• The next BZA meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 9.