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Council approves rezoning at 1600 N. Wheeling for sensory toy shop; neighbors raised parking concerns
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 26‑25 to rezone 1600 North Wheeling Avenue from R‑4 to BC (community business) to allow a sensory toy and baby line store. Owner Belinda Hughes said hours will be limited; neighbors asked about parking and one nearby homeowner opposed.
The Muncie City Council adopted Ordinance 26‑25 on Oct. 6, 2025, to rezone the property at 1600 North Wheeling Avenue from R‑4 residential to BC community business to permit a proposed sensory toy store and related retail.
Belinda Hughes, the applicant and owner who said she grew up in Muncie, told council she plans a small specialty store offering sensory toys and a “dad corner” and described limited hours: currently planned to open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with tentative hours “about 10 to 4.” Hughes said she will partner with a local sensory gym and limit parking on site; she acknowledged one adjacent homeowner had told council he was not in favor and raised concerns about overflow parking into his gravel drive.
Council action: Councilwoman Powell moved adoption and Councilman Basham seconded. Council members asked questions about outreach to neighbors and parking controls; applicant said limited hours and marked parking would mitigate overflow. The ordinance was adopted by voice/roll call as part of the meeting’s zoning consent items.
Why it matters: The rezoning allows a neighborhood‑scale retail use intended to serve families and people with sensory needs. Neighbors asked the council to ensure the applicant works with adjacent homeowners to avoid spillover parking and traffic impacts.
Ending: Council members encouraged the applicant to continue conversations with nearby residents and coordinate signposted parking and limited hours as described in her presentation.
