Board approves special exception for trade‑school relocation to Leer Drive industrial park
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Summary
The BZA approved a special exception to allow a trade school at 1710 Leer Drive; the program is affiliated with VINCIENT University and accredited by NCCER and will operate mainly in evenings to serve working students.
The Elkhart Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception for a trade school to operate at 1710 Leer Drive in Park 6 Industrial Park.
Malek Enterprise LLC applied to use an existing building — most recently occupied by a home medical equipment business — as a trade school. Staff said the location, in an area dominated by industrial users near County Road 6, is well suited for a program that trains skilled workers for local employers.
Crystal Welsh, speaking for the petitioner, said the program is an existing operation that has been located in Elkhart at 2701 Industrial Parkway for 10 years and is relocating to gain more space for hands‑on classes. She said the current tenant will remain temporarily during the transition.
Brianne Feeks, who manages the local program, said the school has about 160 students but divides instruction over four evenings so “it’s roughly about 40 students a night that come to class.” Staff recommended approval, noting no exterior changes are planned and proposing a condition that all required building permits for interior renovations be obtained prior to occupancy.
One adjacent property owner sent an email in favor but raised traffic concerns at the industrial park entrance, asking the city to consider additional ingress/egress improvements or a turn lane on County Road 6 to manage vehicle movements at peak times.
The board approved the special exception with staff’s recommended condition that necessary building permits be obtained prior to occupancy.