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Commission Recommends Gurnick Rezone to Rural Residential with 15-lot Commitment
Summary
Bargersville Planning Commission voted to recommend rezoning 78 acres at 3816 S. Smokey Row Road from agricultural to rural residential, with commitments limiting density to a maximum of 15 lots and a two-acre minimum lot size.
The Bargersville Planning Commission on Feb. 18 recommended that Town Council approve a minor rezoning request from Smokey Row LLC to change 78 acres at 3816 South Smokey Row Road from agricultural (AG) to rural residential (RR).
The petitioner proposed commitments including a minimum lot size of two acres and a maximum lot count of 15 across the entire 78-acre parcel. Andrew Barcosi of Barcosi Surveying said the immediate intent is to formalize two 12.5-acre lots for the owner’s daughters and two additional lots of roughly 6.5 acres, with a remaining ~37-acre tract reserved for future development under a later, major subdivision if pursued.
Commissioners heard concerns from nearby residents about drainage and access. Tom Strauss, who owns property immediately west of the subject parcel, urged the commission to account for a private ditch and downstream erosion, and suggested retention or detention measures if the larger tract is later developed. Barcosi and staff noted detention and more detailed drainage review would be addressed at the time of a major subdivision; detention is not required for the minor-plat step being requested now.
Support also came from nearby property owner Matt Makinson, who said the rezoning aligns with the town’s comprehensive plan and existing rural-residential patterns along Travis Road. Commissioners clarified how the density commitment would apply: the 15-lot cap refers to the whole parcel, which means after the four currently shown lots the remaining acreage could be subdivided up to a total of 15 lots, with some lots possibly as small as two acres and others larger.
The commission moved to forward a favorable recommendation to the town council “with the commitments presented in the petition.” The recorded vocal roll-call at the commission meeting produced ayes from Joshua Graham; Ruth Ann Moore; Jeff (listed variously in the transcript as Sikbauer/Sequoia/Sikmeyer); Mark Dietle; and Roana/Rowanna Umbarger, and the motion passed.
Next steps: The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to Bargersville Town Council for final action. Any future major subdivision of the remaining acreage would require separate engineering review of drainage, potential detention, and any required waivers for shared driveways or frontage.
