Plan commission forwards favorable recommendation to annex 47.86 acres on West Woodyard Road

The Ellettsville Plan Commission on July 9 recommended the town council approve the voluntary annexation of two parcels at 5326 and 5328 West Woodyard Road, totaling approximately 47.86 acres, and recommended that the parcels be zoned agricultural upon annexation.

Planning staff (Denise) told the commission the parcels are currently zoned AGR (agricultural/residential) in Monroe County and are 23% contiguous to Ellettsville; 100% of the property owners joined the petition. "This is a public hearing about annexation of the parcels only," Denise said, adding that the town will provide police, fire and EMS services immediately upon annexation and that utility extensions would be paid by the petitioner.

Staff recommended a favorable recommendation to town council and asked that the commission's favorable motion include the condition that both the Ellettsville Town Council and the Richland Township Board adopt resolutions agreeing to the annexation. Denise also said the annexations will go before the town council on July 27.

A commission member moved to approve the voluntary annexation (PC26-22) with agricultural zoning and the stated condition; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote with all voting members recorded as yes. After the vote the chair welcomed the newly annexed area to Ellettsville.

The action before the commission was a recommendation only; final authority to accept the annexation rests with the Ellettsville Town Council and the Richland Township Board, which staff said must adopt resolutions in favor of the annexation before the town will proceed.