Prosperity Drive

WARSAW — A special variance was approved for a residential development on Prosperity Drive during the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held last night, Oct. 23.

Redwood Acquisitions LLC plans on building a 93 unit residential development in a commercially zoned district. The area could have been rezoned, but allowing a special exception for residential use was an easier option. The area backs up to current residential areas.

Nearby residents attended the meeting with concerns about the potential development. Marsha Anderson, resident, spoke on behalf of those in attendance. She asked about the number of construction phases, setback limits and if a separation embankment could be added to the plans.

City Planner Jeremy Skinner informed those in attendance that the meeting was merely to grant the special exception. All matters regarding the development specifics would need to be taken directly to the developers.

“We’re used to having a nice field back there for the deer, coyote and foxes,” explained Anderson. She continued to express various concerns with the development.

Skinner replied that residential use of the property was a much nicer option for the neighborhood than options the current commercial zone allows for. “They’re nice developments,” he assured.

The board approved the special exception.

A use variance was also presented for the property at 1202 E. Winona Ave. The variance would allow a church to be located within a C-2 zoning district.

New Beginnings Church & World has operated at this location for the past three years. No one was aware it was improperly zoned until the church began looking into getting a new sign. The use variance was needed to make the church properly zoned before addressing the sign issue.

“I think if it’s been there three years already and no one knew it was there, then it’s not a problem,” said President Tom Allen.

The board approved the use variance.

• A variance was approved for 1103 Ranch Road to allow an accessory structure to exceed 18 feet in height. Owner Alpheus Eherenman has relocated an old barn to the property. The height of the barn is 10 feet taller than current standards allow but won’t exceed the height of the primary structure on the building.
• A variance was approved for 420 W. Pike St., to allow a three foot setback variance. Homeowner David Barfell plans on adding a front room and a porch to the existing structure.