Tippecanoe County commissioners voted 3–0 Dec. 1 to rezone the Sterling 27 property to R1B with an associated commitment, after hearing staff analysis, petitioner remarks, and a resident opposition comment.

Staff described the petition as consistent with the 2024 township plan for low‑density residential uses but noted on‑the‑ground complications: adjacent floodplain, nearby commercial operations, and drainage concerns. Staff explained that a planned development (PD) approach could give more control over density and site layout to better mitigate environmental impacts, but that the applicant preferred a straight rezone because PD would require solving drainage issues up front and would be costlier and uncertain.

Ryan Munnon of RTS Law, representing Sterling 27 LLC, said the Day family has owned the golf course since 2013 under a covenant that allowed redevelopment after December 2020. He said the course has operated at a loss and that, if rezoning is not approved, the owner could pursue existing uses immediately allowed under the current zoning (including mobile homes and other permitted uses). Munnon described prior technical meetings with staff and engineers on drainage and offered to include an emergency access through the development to benefit the Capilano neighborhood if needed.

Resident Ken Buchanan spoke in opposition, citing changed floodplain conditions that now affect homes, significant afternoon traffic on 300 West, a planned access road that would come close to his property, concerns over property values, and the potential for annexation and conversion to municipal water and sewer. Buchanan said residents are concerned the change could primarily benefit utilities rather than neighbors.

Commissioners said drainage and access must be addressed in subsequent subdivision and engineering review and that if drainage issues cannot be resolved, the development cannot proceed; otherwise they expressed support for residential use. The board approved Ordinance '20 25 42' by a 3–0 roll call and then approved the associated commitment by voice vote.

Next steps include subdivision review, drainage and traffic studies, and engineering approvals required before any construction or final platting.