Commissioners approve rezoning for Badger convenience-store project with two commitments

The Boone County Board on Aug. 17 approved Ordinance 20267 to rezone a parcel (Badger 25 MA6058) from Local Business to General Business for a proposed convenience store and gas station, after the petitioner offered two commitments that commissioners required as conditions of approval.

Chris Badger of Badger Engineering presented the project and a preliminary layout that includes a dry detention pond, septic sizing, and two vehicle entrances. He said the design will push drainage to tie into a legal drain and include curbing and dedicated right-turn lanes where needed for state approval and INDOT review. "We're going to be adding a convenience to all the people in this neighborhood… and I think it'll help increase growth but it'll definitely make it more convenient for those people in the neighborhood," Badger said.

Commissioners emphasized that rezoning is one step in a multi-stage approval process; site plan, drainage and development-plan approvals still must be obtained from APC, the drainage board and INDOT where applicable. The petitioner agreed to two commitments before a motion to approve: limit the approved use to a convenience store/gas station and confirm no public funds will be used for the project. A motion to approve with those commitments was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The rezoning clears a significant regulatory hurdle for the project but does not authorize construction or occupancy. County staff reminded the board that subsequent approvals — platting, development plan and drainage review — remain required before permits or construction can proceed.

Next steps: The rezoning record will return to APC for any required development-plan review and the petitioner must secure drainage and INDOT approvals before building permits are issued.