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Board approves variance allowing small-event operations at West Snyder Road farm
Summary
The LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing BATS, Inc. (owners at 11341 West Snyder Road) to operate small events, with the applicants’ business plan attached to the findings of fact after the board heard safety mitigation plans and neighbor concerns.
Natalie Cooper, one of the owners of 11341 West Center Road in Westville, asked the LaPorte County Board of Zoning Appeals to lift a tabled variance request that would allow BATS, Inc. to operate small events, including weddings and dinners, on a Snyder Road farm.
Cooper told the board she and farm manager Kim Deweese prepared an addendum to their business plan in response to questions from the October meeting and thanked the board for the continuance. Neighbor Nick Merkel, who lives across the street at 11602 West Snyder Road, told the board, “My concern is safety, with the traffic there. It is just a terrible road,” and said he remained uncertain about hours of operation and other details.
Board members pressed the applicants on hours and access. A board member noted the applicants’ plan stated operations would run from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with events concluding by 11:00 p.m. and vendors and guests expected to vacate by 11:30 p.m. Cooper said the applicants were taking steps to improve safety, including working with NIPSCO to install street lights, trimming trees near the new entrance and requesting speed bumps; she also said they installed a new entrance approved by the building commission.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the petition with the applicants’ business plan attached to the findings of fact; another board member seconded the motion and the board approved the variance by voice vote. The applicants were wished luck by the board chair.
The board’s approval follows public concern about traffic and safety on Snyder Road; the applicants said they will coordinate with the highway department, the building commission and utility providers as part of implementing the site improvements.
