The Kosciusko County panel recommended approval of a petition to rezone 20 acres from agricultural to residential so Fellowship Missions can continue operations at a site long used as Riverwood Ranch. The petition (Z20262) was presented at the hearing and will be forwarded to the county commissioners with a favorable recommendation.

Eric Lane, executive director of Fellowship Missions, said the organization intends to use the property as a safe haven and housing for women with children and that there are no plans for new construction beyond basic maintenance. “We are gonna look at, opening that home up to women with kids that are continuing on through our program,” Lane said, adding the group wants to maintain the property’s current outdoor character.

Neighbors raised questions about the rezone during public comment. Jeremy Curry, a resident of the nearby Riverwood/Windmill West neighborhood, said this was the first he had heard of the proposal and asked why agricultural land is being rezoned when no construction plans were presented; he expressed concerns about property values and unspecified future uses.

Staff explained rezoning is the first step; a subsequent exception hearing before the board of zoning appeals would address the specific use and any operational details. Staff also noted adjacency to subdivisions that are residential and confirmed legal notice procedures had been followed.

A motion to recommend approval carried by voice vote. Staff said the favorable recommendation will be presented to the Kosciusko County commissioners on Jan. 27 at 9:00 a.m. in the same room. The meeting record does not provide an exact numeric tally for the vote.