Variance granted amid protest
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Carroll County Area Plan Commission Board of Zoning Appeals granted a setback variance in the Hambridge addition near Lake Freeman at a meeting Aug. 28. The approval met with strong opposition from a neighbor.

BettyAldridge requested, via representative John Aldridge, setbacks be altered for her to construct a $100,000 manufactured home on a property currently occupied by a lake cottage. The proposed structure would be approximately 20 feet from the nearest neighbor's building, according to zoning administrator Dale Huffer.

However, Hambridge residents Lloyd and Carolyn Mikesell objected to the action. They own a strip of land next to the Aldridge property which provides unauthorized access to it. The Mikesells maintained that Aldridge crosses their property without permission to access her property.

After advice of legal counsel, it was determined the variance was for the property the house would set on and not for land outside of the property line. APC attorney Patrick Manahan said the alleged trespass issue was a different matter that did not concern the zoning board.

"If they went with the setbacks, they wouldn't be able to purchase the house they have in mind," BZA president Pat Baker remarked.

TheMikesells said they were not opposed to the new structure. They said they wanted to protect their strip of land from trespass.

Several neighbors spoke in favor of the variance and the measure was approved unanimously.

Other business

Andrew and Shawn Draper of 4913W. CR100S. were granted a special exception to locate a kennel on land zoned agriculture. The action was given a favorable recommendation from area plan. (See "Proposed animal shelter to alleviate county's dog/cat conundrum" story for further details.

APC Gary and Kelly Robey were given a favorable recommendation to re-zone property on East Main St. in Camden from urban residential to local business.

Robey refurbished an older building that was empty for 20 years according to Camden Town Council President Pete Wagoner. He reported the town was in favor of the re-zone.

Camden Town Council will decide final approval for the action. Wagoner said the town would develop use restrictions in the event the Robey's would sell the property in the future.

Afavorable recommendation to re-zone lots #24 and #17 of 23 O.P. inYeoman was given to Jeff Dague. The town will decide final approval.

Afavorable recommendation for final subdivision plans was granted to Stan and Deborah Moore forAnn-T-Emm Estates. The Town of Burlington will decide final approval.

The next meeting will be Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.