Plan commission favors rezoning of split parcel at East Riggan Road to business variety

The Delaware Muncie Metropolitan Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council rezone a split‑zoned parcel at the northeast corner of East Riggan Road and Old State Road 3 from a combination of R‑5/residential and business‑variety to all business‑variety. The application (MPC 07‑26Z) from Ray Reagan and Sons Inc. was presented by Kathy Van Eisen of Ashton Land Surveyor.

Van Eisen told commissioners the split zoning prevents the parcel from being marketed and developed under current corridor standards and that a purchaser is under contract who would prefer business‑variety to allow more options. She acknowledged there is no final, documented plan from the prospective buyer and said that possible uses discussed included storage, restaurants, apartments and convenience stores. Several commissioners and residents pressed the applicant on the absence of a written plan and on infrastructure questions, especially emergency access and the adequacy of the southern road for high‑capacity development.

Staff reminded the board that a rezoning vote is on the zone itself, not a pledge to a particular development, and that development and corridor standards would apply if the parcel is rezoned. After public comment that both welcomed new growth ("this area has not had any new development in 50-ish years," Lisa Brand) and urged caution on traffic, drainage and light pollution, the commission voted 7–1 in favor of forwarding a recommendation to City Council; City Council will consider the case on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.