Carroll County Area Plan Commission chose to allow the Bolivar Bluffs Homeowners Association members to weigh in on proposed changes to the plat map for the subdivision before ruling on three requests by area realtor and property owner representative Bret Rinehart. Many residents attended the Aug. 24 meeting to voice their opinions and to discuss the changes.

Rinehart requested preliminary plat map approval for the second phase of development, to vacate a lot and to add part of the common area to another lot in the subdivision located near CR400S and SR75 in Democrat Township. Rinehart also discussed changes in land maintenance duties. He said changes are appropriate because the number of residents has increased and the homeowners association has been formed. Up until this time the subdivision developer, Dr. Alvan Eller, has completed those duties. The request to develop additional lots in the subdivision was met with resistance from adjacent landowners who operate a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) as a part of an agribusiness located across from the subdivision on CR400S. The owners of Ayres Farms said APC should not rule on the request until the new zoning ordinances are in place. They explained that the setbacks will establish a reasonable buffer to help alleviate concerns about flies and odors, which have been raised in the past by subdivision residents.

An allegation was made that Rinehart was attempting to establish the second phase of development before tighter setback restrictions are in place. Rinehart replied that the second-phase plans for the subdivision were made 10 years ago.

The matter will be considered after the Homeowners Association meets and exact measurements from the existing CAFO is determined. The next meeting will be Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.

Board of Zoning Appeals

Scot and Lisa Ortman were granted approval for a sevenfoot side and rear yard setback for an addition at Lot 22, 4091S 95E in the Bolivar Bluff Subdivision.