Zoning board approves gravel staff parking for Valley Professionals despite staff concerns

The Vigo County zoning appeals board approved a variance on Jan. 26, 2026, permitting a non‑hard‑surfaced (packed white‑rock) parking area to serve employees of Valley Professionals Community Health Center at a lot on East Spring Hill Drive.

County staff had recommended against the variance, saying the proposed packed white rock surface could cause dust, loose‑stone migration, drainage issues and long‑term maintenance concerns, and that the submitted landscaping and buffer plan lacked sufficient detail to meet type C buffer standards.

Representing the petitioner, attorney Scott Craig of Cox Law Firm told the board the parking would be used primarily by staff to free existing paved spaces for patients and described the acquisition as part of the clinic’s expansion. "Valley Professionals is a growing and expanding federally qualified health center," Craig said, adding that the clinic serves patients regardless of income and receives federal and state support tied to that designation. Craig said the petitioner submitted an amended site plan that increases buffer plantings and spacing and that the lot would likely be used temporarily while the clinic’s longer‑term development is planned.

TJ Warren, identified by Craig as the clinic’s CEO, was present during the discussion and confirmed the existing use on the adjacent parcel is behavioral health and psychiatric services, which Craig said generally generates less daily patient traffic than a primary‑care site.

Staff reiterated that, while the operational benefit of extra employee parking was noted, it did not eliminate concerns about long‑term impacts and compliance with the unified zoning ordinance’s hard‑surface requirement for commercial parking areas. The petitioner argued the gravel would be a pervious surface and said trees and other buffers would remain to reduce visibility and potential impacts.

After commissioners asked clarifying questions about clinic operations and buffering, a motion to approve the variance was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript.

The board’s action permits the parking as requested, subject to standard permitting and any conditions the director requires at the improvement‑permit and site‑plan review stage. Staff had recommended that, if approved, a complete site plan with a detailed type C landscaping and buffer plan be submitted and reviewed by the director prior to use of the parking area.