The Delaware County Metropolitan Planning Commission voted 7-0 at its regular meeting to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a special‑use permit to build a proposed 98‑unit, 55‑and‑older affordable housing development at 610 East Weiser Street in Muncie.

The project, presented by Marissa Knatzer of TWG Development, would seek state Low Income Housing Tax Credit funding through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and would include on‑site property management, community gardens, a fitness center, a reading room, security measures and a new on‑site bus stop. "This development would be part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority's Low Income Housing Tax Credit program," Knatzer told the commission.

The proposal is for a multi‑family senior housing building on the former Kerner and McGuff Roofing site at 610 East Weiser. Knatzer said the location’s direct access to the Cardinal Greenway and the proposed on‑site transit stop will help residents without cars maintain mobility. "We will also be adding a bus stop on-site so that if they don't have cars or aren't able to drive, they do have independence and mobility there," she said.

Mayor Dan Ridenour spoke in support, calling the site an opportunity to stabilize the neighborhood and noting the City is prepared, subject to City Council approval, to provide the matching funds needed to secure state tax credits. "We feel like that is a great opportunity," Ridenour said, and urged the commission to look favorably on the project.

Residents who spoke at the public hearing were generally supportive. One resident who identified themselves as the current occupant of the building at 610 East Weiser said the existing structure "looks like trash" and argued removing the building would reduce criminal activity behind the site. Another resident expressed concern about encampments along the Greenway and urged increased security. In response, the applicant said the design includes perimeter security cameras and key‑fob access at all entry points and that lighting would be designed to cover parking without unduly affecting neighboring properties.

The developer is requesting several zoning variances, including reductions to front and rear yard setbacks and a reduction in overall parking. Knatzer said minimum unit sizes required by the state funding program limit how much the building footprint can be reduced. She told the commission there will be no reduction in required handicap parking spaces.

On questions about building access, Knatzer said the preliminary design includes two centrally located elevators but that details could change as design and funding proceed. She also said the applicant's team will look into additional safety features suggested at the hearing, such as emergency call stations.

After deliberation the commission recorded seven affirmative votes and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The commission noted the BZA hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. in the County Building, third‑floor commissioners’ courtroom.

The application now proceeds to the Board of Zoning Appeals for final action and remains contingent on receiving the state tax credit award and any municipal match commitments the City Council may approve.