Planning commission recommends rezoning to allow Radiant Life Ministry parking expansion

The Kokomo City Planning Commission voted Sept. 9 to forward a favorable recommendation to the Kokomo Common Council for rezoning of 2418 North Calumet Street so Radiant Life Ministry Inc. can expand its parking and facilities. The commission’s vote followed a staff report finding the requested zoning change consistent with the city’s zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan.

Staff said the petition (case P20Z25) requests a change from R-4 (urban residential) within the Community Center Overlay (CCOL) to IS (institutional) to allow the area to be used as parking and related church uses. Director Sheilani said the request is compatible with the overlay and permitted uses in the district.

Tori Tripp of Tripp Engineering Consulting, representing Radiant Life Ministry, told the commission the hatched area on submitted drawings is what the church seeks to rezone for parking and an expansion. Tripp answered questions about site photos and the project footprint.

The staff report noted adjacent zoning: high-intensity industrial to the north, R-4 to the south, and institutional and R-4 to the east and west. The comprehensive plan designates the area as part of the State Road 931 Community Center, a mixed-use corridor intended to accommodate commercial, office and lower-density residential uses and to transition to greater height and density near other zones. Staff provided a local traffic count of about 12,350 vehicles per day for the nearby roadway and recommended a favorable recommendation to council.

After no public questions, the commission voted in favor; the item will proceed to the Kokomo Common Council for final action.

The commission record shows no formal conditions attached to the recommendation. Any subsequent changes to the site plan, parking or building expansion will be subject to review in later permitting steps.