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After heated hearing, Planning Commission recommends denial of Philgreen rezoning for 151‑space RV park
Summary
Following a lengthy public hearing with multiple speakers citing traffic, wastewater, and safety concerns, the Planning Commission voted 5–3 to recommend denial of a 50‑acre rezoning and planned‑development concept for an RV park and mixed commercial uses proposed by Topher Philgreen. The chair recused himself from deliberation.
After nearly three hours of testimony and deliberation, the Miami County Planning Commission on July 7 recommended denial of a rezoning request from Topher Philgreen that would have converted roughly 50 acres near Hillsdale Lake to a Planned Development allowing a 151‑space RV park, enclosed RV/boat storage, and commercial pads.
Assistant Planning Director Jeff Joseph presented the concept plan and said staff found the proposal consistent with a village‑expansion designation in the county's comprehensive plan, but noted the plan’s scope requires additional engineering review — traffic, stormwater and wastewater studies — at the preliminary‑plat stage. Dozens of nearby residents told the commission they were concerned about road safety on 255th and local gravel streets, capacity and location of sewer and water service, emergency‑response capability, noise, and loss of rural character.
Multiple neighbors and public‑safety professionals urged caution. "This impacts my family, my generations to come," said speaker Calvin Lovell, a Hillsdale resident, invoking traffic and safety concerns for children and elderly neighbors. Other speakers described frequent seasonal traffic to Hillsdale Lake, fragile local roadways and a shortfall of sheriff’s deputies to patrol a large weekend influx.
Commissioners debated two paths: treating the project as a CUP for an RV park or approving a planned development that bundles RV spaces, storage and commercial uses. Some members said the northern part of the parcel and adjacent existing RV/ storage uses suggested this was an appropriate location to channel growth; others said the depth and intensity of the project would be too disruptive to surrounding small‑acreage properties without confirmed sewer, wastewater and traffic mitigation.
A motion to approve failed; a motion to recommend denial passed on roll call, 5–3, with Chairman Topher Phil Green recused from votes concerning his own property. The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners, which will hold final deliberation and a decision on July 29. A 14‑day protest petition window begins following the planning commission action.
