Projects Inc. Engineer David Smith, far left, was present at the meeting to represent the Louis Dryfus expansion request.

By Maggie Kenworthy
InkFreeNews

KOSCIUSKO — During the Kosciusko Board of Zoning Appeals meeting held this morning, Dec. 8, Louis Dreyfus received approval to move forward with another expansion.

Louis Dreyfus Ag Industry, 7344 SR 15, Claypool, requested an exception for the purpose of allowing an expansion to an ag processing plant. The expansion includes construction of a 123-feet by 150-feet addition, a 16-feet by 20-feet addition and a 12-feet by 5-feet addition to an existing Lecithin processing building. In addition, there will be a 65-feet by 85-feet vegetable oil tank farm, a 40-feet by 60-feet Lecithin processing building and a 75-feet by 20-feet Lecithin tank farm.

Engineer David Smith, with Projects Inc., explained that Lecithin is a by-product of soybean processing that is used as an emulsifier in food products. He described the expansion as “substantial” with the project totaling over $12 million.

While little discussion was held over this proposed expansion, Area Plan Director Dan Richard noted that there were complaints regarding the previous expansion. The complaints involved drainage issues that were causing runoff onto other properties and the increase in noise.

“It’s up to you guys to get those issues solved,” said Richard. “You’re approved (for expansions) with those representations in mind.”

Tom Shively, an adjacent property owner was also present to represent the complaints of run-off and noise.

He explained that the latest expansion added around 56 fans, which resulted in higher noise levels. According to Shively, he and adjacent property owners were no longer able to sit in their screened-in porches because the noise was so loud.

“In order for them to be a good neighbor, I think they need to step up and do the right thing,” said Shively.

It was explained that a new policy was put into place that the fans were only to be used from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. In addition, the fans are only needed if they detect a certain heat-level and they run in zones, so not all the fans are running all the time.

A representative of Martin Riley, civil engineers for the expansion, assured the board that they have been meeting with County Surveyor Mike Kissinger to address the drainage issues.

The board approved the exception request, with the condition that immediate steps are taken to address the noise and drainage issues. Louis Dreyfus is expected to give an update on their progress in March.

In other news, the board:

• Continued a variance request made by Rhonda Harris regarding an above-ground pool and fencing on the east side of 103 S. Seventh St., Pierceton. The Pierceton Town Council would like to review this request at the December meeting.
• Continued a variance request made by Joas Miller to allow an existing residence to remain as placed at 12823 N. Camelot Trail, Milford. A survey has yet to be done on this property.
• Denied a request variance made by John Waters to construct a pool 3 feet from the right-of-way and 3 feet from the west property line. at his property located at 47 EMS W16 Lane, North Webster.
• Approved a variance request made by John and Susan McClain to construct a residence addition 5 feet from the east sideline at 10762 N. Southshore Drive, Syracuse. The addition allows for a bedroom to be built on the main level.
• Approved a variance request to permit the construction of a pergola and an outdoor kitchen island within 5-feet of the southeast property line at 12095 N. Ogden Point Road, Syracuse.
• Approved a variance request made by Jay and Elizabeth Gehl for the construction of a new boathouse 0.1 feet from the northwest sideline, 3.21 feet from the southeast sideline and 0 feet from the water’s edge at 6309 E. Pickwick Park Drive, Syracuse.
• Approved an exception request made by Adam Baker to permit the construction of an 11-unit storage condo in a residential district located at 10453 N. Turkey Creek Road, Syracuse.
• Approved a variance request made by Danny Hayes to allow for a residence to remain 16.7 feet from the right-of-way when a permit was granted for 25 feet from the right-of-way. The residence is located at 807 N. Edgewater St., Silver Lake.
• Approved an exception request made by Mark Burkholder to change the classification from a home-based business to commercial recreation use in an agricultural district. The business, known as Claywood Events Center, 13927 North CR 1100W, Nappanee, needs more employees than a home-based business classification allows.
• Approved a variance request made by Ronald and Cherie Rowe to permit the construction of a new residence with 32.5 feet from the right-of-way, 15 feet from the water’s edge, 25.02 feet from the river and 5.25 feet from the east sideline. The property is located on the south side of EMS T4 Lane, west of CR 675 E, North Webster.