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Henry County denies rezoning request for 108-site campground near Summit Lake
Summary
After questions about traffic, buffering and underlying Highway Business zoning on a local road, Henry County commissioners voted 3-0 to deny a rezoning request for a proposed 108-site campground (Camp Messick). The applicant said the project would bring visitors near Summit Lake; commissioners cited road capacity and property-value concerns.
Henry County commissioners on Wednesday denied a request to rezone a parcel near Summit Lake for a 108-site RV campground, citing concerns about road capacity, buffering and potential impacts on nearby homeowners.
Applicant Michael French, who identified himself as the property owner at 5875 North Messick Road, described a multi-year effort to design a premium campground and said Summit Lake State Park draws more than 350,000 visitors annually. "Wouldn't it be nice to have a brand new campground offering a premium campground experience to those wanting to travel here to be near the park," he told the board.
Commissioners and staff raised multiple concerns. Commissioner S2 (speaking in the meeting) said the parcel appeared small for the proposed intensity of use and noted a planning commission recommendation had been cautious. Commissioners questioned whether North Messick Road — which was described in the packet as a local road — could safely handle the projected traffic and whether expected tax revenues would cover additional road upkeep. One commissioner noted other uses allowed under Highway Business zoning could include taverns or motels if the underlying zoning were applied.
After extended discussion on traffic estimates, buffering and property-value impacts for immediate neighbors, Commissioner S2 moved to deny the rezoning to Highway Business 1; the board voted 3-0 to deny the request.
The denial leaves open future options for the applicant, who was informed that the planning commission would hear any future commission-approved-use applications if the zoning were to change; the board did not authorize a different zoning designation at the meeting.
