A request by Findlay-Summers LLC to rezone land from Lake Resort to Planned Unit Development did not proceed as expected by developers at July meeting of the Carroll County Area Plan Commission. Not only were neighbors present to object to the project but Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals President Pat Baker said the area was less than five acres and according to the current zoning ordinance, a planned development was not allowed on a tract of land which is less than five acres.

Neighbors objected to the planned use for the new project, which was also questioned by zoning administrator Kathy Mylet. Mylet said the permit request was for 20 boat storage units, however the preliminary covenants for the use of the properties, which will be privately owned, notes self-storage units usage.

Neighbor Gretta Kinder said developers were dumping unlawfully into a natural waterway adjacent to the project. She said she contacted the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and corrective action against developers was expected. Kinder also said she is in possession of a deed with a covenant which would prohibit the planned use for the property. She added that a survey done for the project was incorrect.

Mylet said county surveyor Wayne Chapman, who was not present for the meeting due to a medical issue, also expressed concern about the waterway.

Although Wayne Finley, one of the petitioners for the rezon- ing action, said there was need in the area for boat storage, neighbor John Alford disagreed.

"Three-fourths of the boat houses in the area are not filled in the winter," he said.

In addition neighbor Maria Hernandez expressed concern the planned development would attract an unwanted criminal element because of the cover 20 buildings with streets around them would provide.

In spite of objections and concerns raised by both neighbors and the BZA president, a motion to give the project an unfavorable recommendation narrowly passed in a 3 to 2 vote. APC members Pete Wagoner and Nelson Smith voted against the unfavorable recommendation.

Other business

Comprehensive Land Use Plan Steering Committee representative Janet Ayres presented a brief update about the committee's progress. Public meetings to present a plan draft began July 23. She said a copy of the plan can be viewed at the area plan office in the courthouse, at all libraries in the county and on-line at www.carrollcountyin.gov or www.townofcamden.org. (A link to the plan can also now be found on the Comet's Web site located at www.carrollcounty comet.com and a hard copy can be viewed at Comet offices in either Delphi or Flora.)

According to Ayres, a flood hazard ordinance, developed by the committee, is ready for review by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, an erosion control ordinance is being developed and a new or revised zoning ordinance is on the planning table.

The next APC meeting will be Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.