Board approves Landing at Red Wing events venue in farm zone; neighbors voice concerns over noise, traffic and wildlife

The Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance Sept. 24 letting the Landing at Red Wing (5757 E. Enlow Springs Road) operate as an event venue in a farm zone, subject to conditions and required permits.

Applicants Corey and Slay (Slide) Milholland said they purchased the former Boy Scout camp in 2022, repaired and reopened parts of the site, and have hosted community events — including an Independence Day celebration that the applicants said drew roughly 4,700 to 5,000 people this year. They told the board they provide parking on a 28-acre field and rent additional neighbor space when needed; they also described firework packages sold for certain events and plans to pursue health-department approvals and, later, a liquor license for weddings.

Neighbors and a representative for multiple nearby residents urged denial. Attorney Drew Hall, speaking for residents, argued the request is a self-created hardship, runs counter to the county’s comprehensive plan and the property’s farm zoning, and raises public-safety, traffic and ecological concerns. Multiple neighbors described repeated loud music, fireworks, smoke and late‑night disturbances; one witness said the property has historically supported wildlife including bald eagles and other species.

Applicants said they have worked with building and health department staff, have hired uniformed and undercover police for large events, provided porta‑johns and parking plans and that the site has operated without major incidents this year. They also provided a written business plan that listed proposed limits: 10 weddings per year, 30–50 banquet rentals per year, up to 5 signature community events annually, 1–2 music festivals, and stated weekday and weekend hours (Monday–Friday to 9 p.m., Saturday to 10 p.m.; quiet 11 p.m.–7 a.m.).

After discussion the board approved a motion to grant the variance with the conditions that the Milhollands obtain any required permits (health, building and inspections) and that the variance apply only to the current applicants and not transfer with sale of the property. That motion passed on a roll call of 4 yes, 1 no, 1 recusal (result recorded as approved). The board and staff noted that the Boy Scouts’ earlier camping use had been a pre-existing, legally nonconforming use but that a wedding-and-events venue is a different land use requiring review.

Why it matters: The decision allows a high‑capacity event site to operate in a rural, largely residential area under strict conditions; neighbors said they fear long-term commercialization, traffic, noise and environmental impacts.