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Council approves multiple zoning variances, denies a proposed digital billboard and delays Klein Avenue award
Summary
On July 8 the council approved several zoning requests including drive-through permits for 7 Brew and Black Mountain Soda, authorized a permanent outdoor attraction for Coffee Cabin with façade conditions, approved Lamar Advertising's sign relocation, denied a proposed digital billboard, and rejected bids for the Klein Avenue lane addition to rebid in January 2027.
The town council acted July 8 on a series of development and zoning items, approving most BZA recommendations, denying one digital-billboard request and deferring a road contract award until contractor schedules improve.
Drive-through at 990 US 41 (7 Brew): The council approved BZA case 26-6-25 to allow a drive-through coffee operation at the former Wendy's site at 990 US 41, incorporating the BZA's findings and adding a condition that the southwest entrance be closed to improve circulation. Engineer James Huss Jr. (representing the petitioner) described a three‑lane arrangement that will usually operate with two lanes and a pass-through lane used for special events. The motion carried 5-0.
Klein Avenue lane addition: Town engineer Neil Simpstead reported two bids above the engineer's cost estimate and noted contractor schedules made 2026 construction impractical. Council voted to deny award and rebid in January 2027 to align with contractor availability; the projected construction duration when awarded was about 120 days.
Lamar Advertising relocation (5050 W. Lincoln Hwy): Sean Pettit for Lamar sought to relocate an existing off-premise advertising structure to Earl's Heating and Air property with a 0-foot setback allowed by INDOT for visibility. Nearby property owners raised concerns about easements, foundation removal costs and sightlines; Pettit said Lamar would work with property owners on landscaping and mitigation. Council approved the relocation (motion carried 5-0) while discussing conditions and compliance with state separation rules and safety requirements.
Digital billboard at Wicker Avenue (Robertson Outdoor): Council denied a variance for a new digital billboard at 2313-2321 Wicker Avenue after the BZA gave an unfavorable recommendation; staff and members expressed concerns about location and light emission to adjacent residential areas. Motion to deny carried 5-0.
Black Mountain Soda (former Starbucks site, 1906 US 41): The council granted a variance to allow a drive-through at the existing structure, noting stacking and signage conditions; staff will monitor traffic and could impose review conditions if issues arise. Motion carried 5-0.
Coffee Cabin permanent outdoor attraction (350 W. Lincoln Hwy): Owner Jeff Conte described a themed courtyard of small facades and interactive elements for family events and seasonal displays. The council approved the variance with a condition that the Reed Lane-facing facades be finished consistent with the US 30 side; motion carried 5-0.
Taken together, the actions reflect the council's interest in encouraging redevelopment while balancing traffic, safety and neighborhood impact concerns.
