Commissioners approve 120-acre rezoning for Empress Estates despite growth concerns

Allen County Commissioners voted 2-1 on May 8, 2026, to rezone 120.029 acres from A1 (Agricultural) to R1 (Single-Family Residential) for a residential plat by Oakmont Development, clearing the way for Empress Estates & Sparrow Harbor. The proposal would create 42 lots north of Shoaff Road and 204 lots south of it. The Plan Commission had recommended approval 7-0 following a hearing that recorded one speaker in support and two in opposition.

Karen Couture, planner with the Allen County Department of Planning Services, presented the application REZ-2026-0017 and summarized the Plan Commission record. Commissioner Therese M. Brown said she had received complaints and that Huntertown "has seen too much growth," raising concerns about legality and impacts; Brown recorded an opposing vote. Commissioner Ronald W. Turpin noted a planned trail and said some market risk would be borne by the developer. Ronald Turpin moved approval; Therese Brown seconded; the motion carried 2-1 with Brown recorded as opposed.

Why it matters: the rezoning converts 120.029 acres to single-family zoning and would enable the two-part plat totaling 246 lots, increasing residential capacity adjacent to industrial land uses. Neighbors had expressed concerns at the Plan Commission level about noise and privacy because the development backs up to an Asphalt Drum Mixers manufacturing site. The county’s decision moves the proposal forward to final platting and permitting steps required for construction.

What happens next: the development must complete subdivision platting, infrastructure approvals, and any required permits before lots may be sold or built. The county record shows the Plan Commission's 7-0 recommendation; the commissioners’ narrow 2-1 approval reflects continuing local concerns that may surface during subsequent permitting.