Ashlee Ryman and Michelle Roberts show conceptual drawings of what a former church in Pierceton may look like inside once it is renovated. Looking on are APC board members, Bob Conley, left, and Kevin McSherry. The two women requested the rezoning in order to open an event center. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
Staff Writer

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — A former church in Pierceton may be given new life if it is converted to a venue hall. The first step was a favorable recommendation by The Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission. That recommendation was given at its meeting Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Brian and Ashlee Ryman of Ryman Real Estate requested the rezoning for the former United Methodist Church. The property is located on the east side of First Street and east of Main Street. They want to rezone the lot from a public use district to a commercial district.

In attendance at the meeting was Ashlee Ryman and Michele Roberts. The two women want to open an event center for weddings or birthday parties, for instance.

Several remonstrators expressed their concerns, however. One was Keith Arnold. He said he is concerned about noise and litter as well as fireworks. Arnold, a veteran, said fireworks would bother him. The women stressed that fireworks would not be allowed.

There are 30 parking spaces with plans for valet parking offsite, with no plans for additional parking.

APC board member Mike Long said he commends the women for using the now vacant space.

“It’s unique and good use of an otherwise obsolete property,” he said.

The case will now be heard by Pierceton Town Council at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 and eventually Board of Zoning Appeals.

In other news, Ron Baumgartner requested rezoning 7.16 acres from agriculture and commercial to an industrial II district. Baumgartner is the owner of The Papers Inc. in Milford.

The property is located on the south side of First Street.

“I just want to bring it in line with what it should be,” said Baumgartner.

One of the company’s buildings is located on the property. A cornfield is located to the east of the building. He said his request was mainly a “housekeeping” issue.

One remonstrator expressed her concerns. Dawn Engelberth, who lives near the plant, said she is bothered by semi trucks that come and go from the plant.

“This rezoning would have a negative effect,” she cited. “This is a very residential area.”

The rezoning request was ultimately given a favorable recommendation. The next step is for the case to be heard by Milford Town Council for its final decision. The council will hear the request at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11.

Eric and Cara Erlewein’s petition was to rezone 20.33 acres from an agriculture district to an agriculture II district.

The property is located on the north side of CR 900N, just east of SR 13.

They want to build a two-lot subdivision, said their attorney, Steve Snyder. The board approved the couple’s request. The case will next be heard by county commissioners at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Brett Harter was granted preliminary plat approval for an ag II development.

The property is located on the south side of CR 500N in Tippecanoe Township.

Harter wants to build stick-built, single-family houses on two lots and use a shared entrance. Harter must now get final plat approval.

Ronald Casebeer’s request for a preliminary plat was continued to the next APC meeting which is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3. He requested preliminary plat approval for two lots on an agriculture II development on a tract of ground.

The property is located on the east side of CR 875W, south of CR 200N in Etna Township.

The board said it needs more information, such as soil testing, before making a decision.