Plan commission recommends rezoning for 4917 N. Wheeling amid questions over fuel sales and alcohol

The Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission issued an 8-0 favorable recommendation to rezone 4917 North Wheeling Avenue from R-2 (residential) to BV (variety business). The recommendation will be forwarded to the Delaware County Commissioners for final action at their Nov. 17 meeting at 9 a.m.

Nick Tokar of Tokar Law, representing the applicants, told the commission the parcel sits at the northwest corner of Wheeling and Bridal and is bordered on multiple sides by commercial uses, including land recently rezoned through the commission. Tokar said the request meets the factors to consider for rezoning: compatibility with existing character, appropriate use given road access and frontage, and conservation of property values.

Developer representative Jane Stevenson described the planned use as a convenience store/market that will include a fresh-food market and fuel sales. Stevenson said the market side will emphasize food offerings such as breakfast sandwiches and grab-and-go items, and that the project is intended to serve nearby families, including a child day care operator across the street with whom she said she has spoken. Stevenson's remarks also noted the business is a new venture and not an established chain.

On the question of alcohol sales, Stevenson said beer and wine could be offered but that the selection would be limited and would be refrigerated behind the service area rather than on public display; she characterized the offering as not yet final. Commissioners asked about regulatory requirements for another fuel retailer in proximity to existing stations; staff and the applicant said site-specific permitting and other approvals beyond rezoning would apply if the developer pursues fuel sales.

The commission's favorable recommendation was made and seconded and passed on roll call, 8 yes, 0 no. The record stresses this is a recommendation; the county commissioners will hold the final hearing and decision. Applicants were told someone should attend the Nov. 17 county hearing to represent the application.