Windward re-zone put on hold
By Debbie Lowe

When presented with a request to re-zone land in Jefferson Township around the Lake Freeman from L-1, lake resort to PUD, planned unit development, Carroll County Area Plan Commission members paused to more fully consider the situation.

Windward Developer Greg Jacobs explained at the Jan. 23 meeting the re-zoning was needed to enable him to develop 40 single-family lots, eight condominium units, a clubhouse for guests or resident use only and a lodge with 24 resort style rooms including a banquet room. He said the lodge would be for public use, not only the overflow of condominium owners guests.

Addressing road use concerns expressed from Upper Hambridge Dr. residents in the past, Jacobs said he would be building a road inside the development with only one access site to CR775N. He said residents in the development would not be allowed to use Upper Hambridge Dr.

However, Lafayette attorney Dan Teder, representing Oakdale Inn owner Ron Reagan, cited the current zoning ordinance. He said the document contains conditions, such as development plan and financial responsibility documentation, which must be satisfied before approval for this type of rezone can happen.

Teder requested APC table the issue until all information was presented to them to satisfy the county ordinance.

He said he understood from Jacobs there could be between 160 to 170 units at project completion. He extrapolated that information to conclude an estimated 1,000 automobiles would be using roads leading to and from the development each day during peak season.

Zoning administrator Dale Huffer also recommended the matter be tabled to gather more information. He said drainage and traffic issues had to be addressed more fully by the developer before proceeding.

"I'm not opposed to development," APC member Tom Hessler said. "But I want to see more information before making decisions."

In addition, Huffer suggested an agreement be reached with the county by the developer to bring the roads leading to the development back to current condition in event of damage.

White County resident Mike Weaver, who owns the property adjacent to the development on the north, expressed concern about the density of the project.

He said his understanding was there would be approximately 199 boat slips for the entire project concentrated on a small amount of waterfront. He said he was concerned about road safety due to the amount of traffic. He further stated he expected noise abatement measures to be imposed on the developer to prevent heavy equipment from operating at certain times of the night and week-ends.

A map of the planned development can be viewed at the Comet's Delphi office. A copy of the preliminary development plan can be viewed at the county zoning office on the second floor of the courthouse.

Other business

Bob McCain was re-elected president and member Wayne Chapman was elected vice president of the group for 2007.

Huffer was appointed zoning administrator, Kathy Mylet, secretary, and Patrick Manahan, attorney for 2007.

Compensatory time for zoning administrator and secretary was approved.

The next meeting will be Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.