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Council tables Burkhart-Lynch rezoning after extended discussion on use limitations and buffers
Summary
Council delayed a rezoning request to change agricultural land near Burkhart and Lynch Roads to M-1 light industrial after staff, the applicant and multiple council members negotiated use-and-development commitments; the item was tabled to allow council and staff to refine prohibited uses, signage and buffering language.
The Evansville Common Council on Jan. 27 tabled an ordinance that would rezone land west of I-69 at Burkhart and Lynch Roads from C-2 (commercial) to M-1 for a proposed multi-use facility, after extended discussion about permitted uses, buffers and development commitments.
Area Plan Commission staff and the applicant acknowledged the requested uses were not fully specified; the UDC (use-and-development commitments) filed with the rezoning restricted a long list of uses and added requirements intended to limit impacts along Lynch Road. The property is largely in the 100-year floodplain and staff said fill and stormwater detention will be necessary for development.
Project engineer Jim Morley Jr. told the council the applicant has purchased the property and that the revised UDC strengthens the commitments suggested at the APC hearing, including prohibiting certain uses within 200 feet of Lynch Road, screening dumpster areas, planting a pine-tree buffer for M-1 uses, and donating 40 feet of right-of-way along Burkhart for future road improvements. The council asked for additional specificity on prohibited ‘‘hot-button’’ uses, billboards along Lynch Road, and other UDC details.
Council members said they generally supported development but wanted a short period to tighten the UDC language. Councilor Lindsey and others requested additional changes; the applicant agreed to work with counsel and planning staff. A motion to table the ordinance until the Feb. 10 council meeting passed by voice vote; the planning office requested any amended language be filed by Feb. 4 at noon for packet inclusion.
Why it matters: The property has remained undeveloped for decades and rezoning could create new light-industrial or commercial opportunities near I-69. Council members noted public interest in protecting nearby residences and asked for stronger written protections tailored to local concerns.
Next steps: Staff asked the applicant to submit revised UDC language by Feb. 4 at noon so the council can consider amendments at its Feb. 10 meeting. No final zoning change occurred at the Jan. 27 meeting.
