[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6032528,"mediaKeyId","5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673","parentId",5436065,"title","Planning commission backs two rezonings to allow sober-living residences, forwards both to common council","audioSeconds",1974,"startMs",764000,"endMs",2738000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673&start=764&end=2738","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673/thumbnail_764000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6032528/Kokomo-City/Howard-County/Indiana/Planning-commission-backs-two-rezonings-to-allow-sober-living-residences-forwards-both-to-common-council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6032528-58e545d3b056bf5e8d534971d5daa3c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168688&Signature=CF3aemzPu2nEyifl2cWJfdqjRNNuDa3iCVGvMxQkt2eUJ5Go9Ru-dtPFI71QJnav4MOnWUErOSLXr8DpDEkyF6hfVSpBb-2lYaqpe8TZSTU7iSnoG7ur6Aw2Eo9ka9LHlaLPqjURu0mT-1~sta0ZveyUrgUulv9m4uowqReVbCJYaly6-fCeqwwJJiaLdVYC4m-NsrU01j7Ly0OrWwRrrrFU5s-WOzPBIwQ3LSbxickDSA7lX89EeM0uC1QplruJ1fh9nOYS577gYiURjaqnkPI1qiPuorWPWVKjZl~ee~R7DDmqCCfWhKi537NviavFT1VK5kRHfxmQPA8PQ9y~vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kokomo City, IN","date","2025-05-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Kokomo City Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended that the Kokomo Common Council approve two separate rezoning requests to allow sober‑living or recovery housing in different neighborhoods.

The commission voted to forward a rezoning request for 702 West Alto Road from C‑1 commercial to IS institutional to allow a halfway house and separately recommended rezoning 5414 West Park Avenue from C‑1 commercial to R‑4 urban residential; both recommendations will be presented to the Common Council for final action.

The institutional request for 702 West Alto was presented by Dan Metz, who said the plan is to use the existing structure as long‑term sober living for people in recovery from drugs and alcohol. \"This is a gap in housing that already exists in Kokomo,\" Metz told the commission, adding the operator expects 20 to 25 residents and that managers and medical staff would provide on‑site oversight. Metz said live‑in managers would be required to have at least two years of sobriety and that an executive team and a medical director would provide supervision.

Staff noted the parcel at 702 West Alto sits in an area the city’s comprehensive plan labels as low‑density residential; the staff report also listed adjoining zone types and cited a traffic count of 5,514 cars per day for that section of West Alto Road. Despite those land‑use notes, staff recommended a favorable recommendation to the Common Council.

Neighbor Denver Sealy, who said he lives at 701 West Alto, told the commission he was concerned about a halfway house across the street where five of his six children live. \"I have concerns about halfway house for people that are being remediated for long‑term drug use, if they're dwelling across the street from my house,\" Sealy said, and described prior incidents on the property that led him to worry about safety. Metz responded that the proposed facility would be supervised and that the group’s goal is to prevent the kinds of unsupervised activity Sealy described. County Commissioner Jack Dodd spoke in support of creating beds in the community, saying beds are needed to keep people off the street and in monitored housing.

The second rezoning, at 5414 West Park Avenue, was presented by property owner Dale T. Bliss. Bliss said he has had the property on the market and needs it rezoned to residential so a buyer can complete a planned conversion; he told the commission the property is under contract to a buyer who intends to use it as a recovery home. The staff report said the site is in the Floodway Fringe and noted that the prospective buyer understands that, if adopted, floodway‑fringe rules will restrict any future additions to the structure. Staff recommended the commission forward a favorable recommendation.

Both items passed the commission by voice vote. The record shows both recommendations will be presented to the Common Council by Councilman Greek hue for final consideration.

What the commission did not do was grant operating licenses or approvals for treatment programs; the actions were limited to recommending zoning classification changes. Any future steps that would alter building occupancy, utility connections or wastewater systems (including any required approval from the State Board of Health) would follow separate permitting and review processes.

Planning commission discussion and public comments reflected the common community tensions over recovery housing: proponents and service providers described beds and supervised group living as a way to reduce street homelessness and support sustained recovery, while nearby residents raised concerns about safety, sewer availability and property impacts. The commission’s favorable recommendations mean the items will now move to the Kokomo Common Council, which will hold a separate hearing and vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kokomo City Planning Commission - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Kokomo City Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended that the Kokomo Common Council approve two rezoning requests that would allow sober‑living residences at 702 West Alto Road and 5414 West Park Avenue.","taxTitle","Kokomo City, Howard County, Indiana","taxId",26298,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6032513,"Resident raises complaint about neighbor feeding wildlife; planning commission says enforcement not under its purview",207,4926000,5133000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673&start=4926&end=5133","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673/thumbnail_4926000.jpg","/articles/6032513/Kokomo-City/Howard-County/Indiana/Resident-raises-complaint-about-neighbor-feeding-wildlife-planning-commission-says-enforcement-not-under-its-purview","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6032513-2ad04a002403b42a3ebb50f6712ab87b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168688&Signature=ATX7oByfnFOKgVlNnD2VWZ3JTXnRAPhh-8icHJ1sqQLHtnVYyvrALGEF-ykkS4syrjrZ~PuXa2S6hqZN~VjS6vp3y1qEOWAd4ojH0wQeIO2sVm0VvBbbaVGrUAyNR3Nv77jIRlcvkmyNd1KOLn0jY9aXLvln5RHizwf5bOvQcD6pHCyW3Rg~7u-OaEeKQCKFdwmJfgExH4ZnthaLVCF4xvbGOasPdJf7lxUhmFQbeSlpaHInUgOsX2Ac4ucapg7rteojwCzvaydeygQkK58vTgRjCXbaXYxzQ7oO41DTABqn0c6fOIkZTkvXzMjYFXsfzTzuJAY0t8OY47kNXldcmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Kokomo resident used the planning commission’s \"other business\" time on May 13 to urge enforcement of city nuisance codes that prohibit placing food that attracts wildlife on property and city land. The resident said repeated wildlife feeding at a neighbor’s property has led to groundhog, raccoon and rodent problems that have damaged the resident’s rental properties.

The resident (name not recorded on the hearing record) told the commission he had pursued private legal action and contacted multiple municipal offices without resolution. \"I can't get that code enforced in this city,\" the resident said, describing property damage and repeated nuisance animals.

Planning commission members and staff responded that the commission itself does not enforce nuisance codes and suggested the Board of Works, code enforcement and other city offices were appropriate channels. The director noted enforcement questions were outside the commission’s jurisdiction and advised the resident to work with the appropriate enforcement bodies.

No formal action was taken by the commission; the exchange was recorded as public comment under other business.","A resident used 'other business' time to ask why city nuisance codes against feeding wildlife are not being enforced; the planning commission said the board cannot enforce those codes and suggested other city channels.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6032518,"Planning commission approves daycare plan and five‑unit conversion; both move to council for final steps",1798,660000,2458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673&start=660&end=2458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673/thumbnail_660000.jpg","/articles/6032518/Kokomo-City/Howard-County/Indiana/Planning-commission-approves-daycare-plan-and-fiveunit-conversion-both-move-to-council-for-final-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6032518-669d35bdc3eae28662fb9e76902ebc6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168688&Signature=lUYQn-r~RV8csLZpSNLEYPcgjhSeB5QuCVIvAZJOjMsYhn9FmZW-eJh9uNcCj0oWbNkgT50GXrs6IoxBiraPz4KNZ14ZcCHy6Duo-RcbA41-biukOK~lsqATCojVmyKBI3PvFiWQaLz3vQe0Bh5kDDoIxWrptjvKq6wcsnBiejsgKH6ufLGe3A8sNanOl30MDfJ~rwsbSE1d4Kw9a7OT38UPaHORLZMjEgOwojgj9~n6TiJMRVqTvv6NJoRGQgWJx28g8ol2s46FV-0R5GDAb85TJGAUlEP5QGkbo7UKxbF-iJxefv2acKf~K3VdNu8gzLJZ0pV4tJNGyTJ3hMj9zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kokomo City Planning Commission on May 13 approved a development plan for Kid City Daycare (case P04A25) and recommended a zoning change to allow conversion of an existing four‑unit building at 306 East Walnut Street to five units (case P11Z25). Both items will be presented to the Kokomo Common Council.

Adam Hoffer, representing Kid City Daycare, asked the commission to approve the plan as shown in the submitted plan set; the commission approved the development plan by voice vote with no substantive public comment recorded during the item.

Andrew Thompson represented Kokomo White Barn LLC for the 306 East Walnut Street item. He told the commission the building is currently configured as four dwellings with a large finished attic already containing a kitchen and bathroom; the owner seeks to legalize a fifth unit by rezoning to M‑1 low‑density multifamily residential. Thompson said the plan includes adding seven parking spaces in the rear to supplement on‑street parking and that interior remodeling already is underway. Staff recommended a favorable recommendation to the Common Council, noting the parcel is within an area the city plan designates for high‑density residential uses; the commission voted to forward the rezoning recommendation.","The commission approved a development plan for Kid City Daycare on Bent Creek Road and recommended rezoning to allow a five‑unit conversion at 306 East Walnut Street; both actions will be forwarded to the Common Council.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6032522,"Commission approves final plat for Walnut Hill subdivision phase 1; residents ask about emergency entrance and water",443,4352000,4795000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673&start=4352&end=4795","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673/thumbnail_4352000.jpg","/articles/6032522/Kokomo-City/Howard-County/Indiana/Commission-approves-final-plat-for-Walnut-Hill-subdivision-phase-1-residents-ask-about-emergency-entrance-and-water","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6032522-89193b4611a2a3cd61f6829b496e6f66/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168688&Signature=kytZKzHfQa04znfomPgqmrWG1yLG9~zt3njjlNVHbQ50lAr0T3DEIXkfFgmqDrFNyfKmD2vGv-Ia9PTy-wm6v1uU9VpB931Sd~7XV5qoq5i-t55tfbXfwKa1KaW1sIs06OKSu50xNVbhog7bSArrLzYT2ku-x1bPlbTJwPB-PZcHn15w1La24-RJj7dOm~TqdIsF~1dHdGEsTIPf-eMLK6F2hAcqnaVvkIW2J~gSmzz9wfKsyYMp9dXCnVpQoaKoTV4tDmacJZUyUg6m~11qA83~ZJeF20YUtZ3erlV8TuUjW5vcJ40pmpPc8own4pjklqlHTUFmGMZoB34XzLB9OA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kokomo City Planning Commission approved the final plat for phase 1 of the Walnut Hill subdivision on May 13, clearing the way for construction of public streets and utilities for the first portion of the development.

Clem Koons of V S Engineering, representing Wildcat Resources LLC, said phase 1 covers roughly 24 acres and includes 59 lots within a larger subdivision planned for about 134 lots overall. Koons said the project team had addressed technical review comments from city engineering and planning staff and asked the commission for final‑plat approval.

Residents asked practical questions about access and utilities. Justin Myers, a resident immediately south of the planned emergency entrance, asked where the emergency gate would be located and whether it would be locked; he also inquired about domestic water pressure for the area. The developer and staff said the emergency entrance is designed to allow fire trucks to enter and would be gated; the gate would be opened by first responders as needed. Staff said water service questions were handled by the private water provider (Indiana American Water) and that water‑service details were part of the technical review.

Koons told the commission the plat dedicates right‑of‑way and that future uses on the lot would require separate development plan hearings. The commission approved the final plat by voice vote.

The approval covers platting only; construction of streets, utilities, driveways and any required improvements will require permits and inspections by the city and by private service providers prior to issuance of building permits.","The planning commission approved the final plat for phase 1 of the Walnut Hill subdivision (roughly 24 acres and 59 lots). Residents attending asked about emergency access gates, driveway connections and domestic water pressure; the developer said technical review comments were addressed and emergency access will be gated for fire/emergency use.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6032525,"Commission recommends industrial rezoning for parcel west of US‑31; residents express traffic, noise and property‑value concerns",1332,2914000,4246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673&start=2914&end=4246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5436065-1f1e9e29334e05c302a99ce8f95fd673/thumbnail_2914000.jpg","/articles/6032525/Kokomo-City/Howard-County/Indiana/Commission-recommends-industrial-rezoning-for-parcel-west-of-US31-residents-express-traffic-noise-and-propertyvalue-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6032525-975496582e756e9ecc171194fdcc3dfa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168688&Signature=MrYxdVbrsO4J9RK2cnqSRo3I~gpbgCmK1o-rYK0FbAy5k6s1vaPNaJMb4oYP4~M8NTV7tbePGnATf~qDkEXl0Q42izSdIj2ib0XVtVRbvgDD4CiNqZMhswk42Yt3PsT03uORUolWQcHANZdbmJNnCtk~d5ALTqSBLUapZzuU3GDgJqyS2OlKQaNJ09CDXyeK98IE6AEhD49gtTWhpMm0lkttWMdsf9IHtwsUHrOQcKQqjD3NZSueo0XF0znzc1A2GZCRcuaDe~WUlsgXsjuJyjtL7iBazzc8Zy9s327Y7ka3JiDx-KAwhZwE9dSKXMdjeS1Yf82JKQEGsjmMxdN5xA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kokomo City Planning Commission on May 13 recommended that the Common Council adopt a rezoning that would change a roughly 23.17‑acre parcel adjacent to East 400 North from agricultural (with US‑31 overlay) to HI high‑intensity industrial, a step the developer said is needed to support future industrial development next to a 195,000‑square‑foot building now under construction.

Rob Young of The Hegeman Group, representing the prospective purchaser and developer HH Real Estate Holdings LLC, told the commission the parcel would provide expansion capacity for the industrial campus that includes a speculative building the developer is completing at 414 East 400 North. Young said the parcel may host another speculative building or a smaller user; no tenant was announced at the hearing.

Young said the rezoning request is intended to match existing industrial uses in the area and to increase the community’s inventory of industrial buildings and sites. \"We believe our rezoning request is consistent with those situations,\" Young said, referencing nearby industrial employers and existing infrastructure.

Staff’s report recommended a favorable recommendation to the Common Council; the report noted that approval is conditioned on annexation and that the rezoning would be effective on the annexation date. Staff also noted that some adjacent parcels remain residential and that the city comprehensive plan does not currently show a future land‑use designation for the site because it is not yet inside city limits.

Several residents and landowners asked questions or objected during public comment. Geraldine Arnold, who lives on a nearby road, said notice of the applications and the multiple parcels involved had confused neighbors and expressed frustration with cumulative development on Kokomo’s north end. \"We have just put up with so much out there on the North end of town,\" Arnold said, listing roads and factory projects that she said have already changed the area.

Cassandra Hester, who lives near the Nickel Plate Trail, said she worries about property values, contamination and increased traffic if heavy industrial development expands behind her house. \"When is enough enough?\" Hester asked, noting ambulance access and her family’s reliance on nearby roads. Other neighbors raised potential truck traffic and noise. Planning staff and the developer responded that specific site‑plan details — including buffer yards, landscape screening and driveway access — would be addressed in later development plan hearings and that state and city transportation authorities control the design and access of the state roads in the area.

The commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Common Council. The staff report, and the commission’s motion, make the recommendation contingent on annexation; the rezoning would take effect on the annexation date and any future development would be subject to site‑plan review, landscape buffer requirements and any state permits required for access to US‑31 or other state highways.

The recommendation will be presented to the Common Council by Councilman Greek hue for final action.","The planning commission voted to recommend rezoning a 23.17‑acre parcel south of US‑31 and adjacent to an existing 195,000‑square‑foot building from agricultural (with overlay) to HI heavy industrial, subject to annexation; neighbors raised concerns about traffic, noise, annexation and property values.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission backs two rezonings to allow sober-living residences, forwards both to common council

Resident raises complaint about neighbor feeding wildlife; planning commission says enforcement not under its purview

Planning commission approves daycare plan and five‑unit conversion; both move to council for final steps

Commission approves final plat for Walnut Hill subdivision phase 1; residents ask about emergency entrance and water

Commission recommends industrial rezoning for parcel west of US‑31; residents express traffic, noise and property‑value concerns