Silver Lake Dollar General Plan Gains Approval
By Cassidy White
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — While plans for a Dollar General store at the intersection of SR 15 and Dixie Drive in Silver Lake have been in discussion for several months now, the store is still struggling to find the proper approval to move forward.
In a meeting with the Area Planning Commission Wednesday, July 6, a representative for the store spoke on what the company planned for the future and advised the board that traffic data had been submitted as previously requested.
The discussion became heated as Bob Conley, APC board member, refuted the data, stating that the traffic information was taken over the course of a single day back in 2019, and did not include sufficient information to be compliant with the board’s request.
“I would be embarrassed to come in and say I did a study from one day and say I expect it to be enough. It’s embarrassing to think you tried that.”
Other remonstrators included a resident who lives across from the tract of land who told the plan commission, “I can’t even imagine the lighting that’s going to come into my front yard … I oppose this 100 percent.”
The committee imposed on petitioner and landowner Indiana North District Wesleyan Church many conditions, including conducting a proper traffic study over several days throughout the summer season and posted speed limits.
Hugh Murphy, Silver Lake Town Council board President, showed his support when he stepped up to the mic to further explain the purpose of building a Dollar General in Warsaw.
He said, “We’re set up without a lot of grocery stores. That affects us.” He continued by saying, “It would be a real boon for us down there … I had to run clear to Manchester just to get steak.”
The preliminary plat was approved, contingent upon the terms of compliance for final licensing.
Jeff Carey brought forth the only other case of the meeting, looking for approval. However, prior contingencies had not been met, including the designation of a final plan and road access compliant with INDOT.
The board recognized there had been miscommunication as to what exactly was expected of Carey, and despite not being completely sure of what his plans are, they approved the motion with the condition Carey meet with them in the next few days to discuss a concrete plan.
In other business, the final plat for Maniac Hounds was approved and now faces final approval.
The next meeting of the APC will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3.