Applicant withdraws plan for pitch‑and‑putt course and retreat after neighbor opposition

Nick Allen formally withdrew his Conditional Use Permit application for a recreational nine‑hole pitch‑and‑putt course, walking trails, campfire areas and short‑term lodging at 401 Kayler Road during the Preble County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Jan. 27, 2026. After Allen’s presentation and extensive public comment, he told the Board, “I would just like to formally request to pull that Application.”

Neighbors told the Board they bought and built in the area for its privacy and quiet and described existing problems they said would worsen if the property were used commercially. Greg Smith, who lives on a shared driveway behind the parcel, told the Board the property’s exterior lights had “been on all night” and said added traffic would create safety and emergency‑access problems for homes reached by the same narrow drive. David Sikora testified that tree clearing and bonfires proposed as part of the project raised wildfire concerns for the wooded neighborhood.

Board members and staff asked detailed questions about parking, driveway maintenance and lighting. Zoning Director Brad Kramer noted topography differences and said staff might need to inspect the site; following the public comment Allen asked to withdraw the entire application, saying he would keep the private synthetic putting green for personal use. Chair Kimberly Craft and the Director confirmed the Board would honor the withdrawal and no vote on the conditional use was taken.