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Residents protest city approvals for 1825 South Place Street; express concern about gun store near child services
Summary
Multiple residents told the planning commission they were not adequately notified before a gun store’s rezoning/special-exception process and said the store’s proximity to the Indiana Behavior Analysis Academy and other child-focused services raises safety and perception concerns.
A group of residents and business owners attended the Sept. 9 Kokomo City Planning Commission meeting to express concern about approvals related to 1825 South Place Street and an intended firearms retailer. Speakers said they believed the property’s rezoning and a BZA special‑exception that would allow a gun store were discussed in prior hearings and that the BZA approved a special exception last week and the City Council held a second reading at its meeting the previous night.
Lisa Stewart, owner and director of operations for Indiana Behavior Analysis Academy (an ABA program near Hoffer and Place Street), told the commission she and other parents were surprised by what she described as limited notice and that she and others only learned the business proposed for 1825 South Place Street was a firearms retailer shortly before BZA and council action. Stewart said the academy’s clients include children with special needs and parents are concerned about the proximity of a firearms retailer to a child‑focused facility.
Several residents echoed concerns about notification and location. Rick Smith, who owns property across the street, described the long history of neighborhood services and said such a business would affect parents’ willingness to bring children to nearby childcare and therapy services. Other commenters, including representatives of community outreach organizations and parents of children with disabilities, said the perception and potential safety issues matter even if the gun store meets statutory requirements and will be regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Planning staff responded that the city followed statutory notice requirements for rezoning and that notices were mailed to adjoining property owners and a sign was posted; staff said the BZA considered the special-exception request and that City Council conducted a second reading the previous evening. Staff also noted the ATF’s licensing and security review happens after local approvals.
Speakers said they plan to pursue other avenues to express concerns to council or property owners. The planning commission took no formal action on this item at the Sept. 9 meeting; the comments were part of the meeting’s public comment period.
