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Area Plan Commission approves three subdivision/rezone petitions; local resident urges protecting farmland
Summary
The Decatur County Area Plan Commission on May 6 approved three petitions to subdivide or rezone small acreages for single-family homes; a public commenter warned that one rezoning would convert productive farmland outside existing clusters.
The Decatur County Area Plan Commission approved three land-use petitions on May 6 that will allow small-lot subdivisions or rezoning for single-family homes.
Bill Wellmer (APC2026-7) asked to subdivide portions of several parcels and rezone 2.99 acres from A-1 to A-2 to permit a single-family home west of 9283 West County Road 50 North. Wellmer said the procedural packet was complete and the commission voted to approve the petition; staff reminded him to coordinate permits with the county office.
Aaron and Kristen Veil (APC2026-8) petitioned to subdivide 4.152 acres and rezone 2.99 acres from A-1 to A-2 for a one-story family home on property owned by Stephanie Ogle near 4965 South County Road 60 SW in Marion Township. Board materials showed a 2016 driveway permit; no substantive objections were raised and the commission approved the petition, with the planner noting the petition will be forwarded to the county commissioners as the final step.
Rob and Rachel Merrick (APC2026-9) requested rezoning of 2.99 acres of a 6.87-acre parcel to build a single-family dwelling near 4952 South County Court East. Katie Spreckelson, a nearby resident and first-time public commenter, opposed the rezoning and cited Decatur County's comprehensive plan and vision statement: "You have 6.87 acres of prime productive farm ground in front of you. They're asking that 2.99 acres of that productive farm ground be rezoned to have a house built on it. Therefore, making it non productive," she said, and urged the commission to direct growth toward existing communities rather than into productive agricultural land.
Commission members discussed site location, parcel adjacency to developed clusters, and planning guidance. After deliberation the commission voted to approve the Merricks' petition.
Next steps: Approved petitions will proceed with building permits and required administrative steps; the Merrick rezoning will appear before the county commissioners as part of standard review.
