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APC backs rezoning to expand service station on State Road 2 after INDOT‑conditioned traffic changes
Summary
The Area Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning (APC 3086‑26) to expand an existing fuel station and add truck parking at State Road 2 and Quince Road, citing INDOT‑approved turn‑lane and signal changes; nearby residents raised concerns about noise, lighting and overnight truck parking.
The St. Joseph County Area Planning Commission on May 19 voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the County Council for APC 3086‑26, a rezoning that would allow expansion of a service station at the northeast corner of State Road 2 and Quince Road and create space for diesel truck parking and staging.
Staff told commissioners that the parcel is currently split‑zoned and that final site improvements would be subject to INDOT and county engineer approvals for ingress and egress. "Based on the information provided, staff does recommend a favorable recommendation on this rezoning," Area Planning Commission staff member Ariel Sharif said.
Attorney George Lapinotis, representing the property owner, said INDOT has already approved changes that move and consolidate driveways, add deceleration/right‑turn lanes and include signal‑timing sensors to improve safety. "These improvements are being paid for by my client," Lapinotis said, noting the owner is offering to widen Quince Road in the project area and to install landscaping and a privacy wood fence as buffers.
Supporters at the hearing said the dedicated turn lanes and signal changes made the intersection safer in practice; opponents raised longstanding complaints about accidents on State Road 2, questioned the adequacy of proposed buffers and asked how overnight truck parking, lighting and litter would be managed. Philip Badger and other residents said the proposed truck staging areas sit immediately adjacent to homes and worried about noise and visual impacts.
After discussion, the commission voted to send a favorable recommendation to the County Council. Final site approvals, including traffic control device changes and drive placement, will require INDOT and county engineer sign‑offs. The petitioners stated the improvements would be privately funded and that they will meet with neighbors on fence height, lighting specifications, and maintenance plans.
