Planning Commission recommends rezoning of Dairy Queen property to Common Council

The Elkhart City Planning Commission voted to send a city-initiated recommendation to the Common Council supporting a map amendment for property associated with the Dairy Queen at 1839 Casopolis Street. Staff presented case 25-Z-4, asking to rezone 345 Country Club Drive from R-3 (two-family) to B-1 (neighborhood business) and to rezone 1839 Casopolis Street from R-3 to B-3 (service business).

Planning staff told commissioners the rezoning is intended to bring zoning into conformance with existing use; the southern portion of the property already functions as part of the restaurant and drive-through expansion approved under prior use and developmental variances. Staff recommended approval, citing compatibility with the future land-use map and surrounding commercial and residential uses. Staff reported 15 mailed notices with one returned letter opposed asking for more information on how the rezoning would affect that property.

Deborah Hughes of Surveying and Mapping, representing Poly Properties (the petitioner), confirmed there is no construction associated with the rezoning and that the office portion at 345 Country Club Drive would be designated B-1 while the restaurant would be B-3. With no members of the public appearing to speak, commissioners closed the public hearing and voted to forward the recommendation to the Common Council with a 'do pass' recommendation.

The commission’s vote is a recommendation; final zoning decisions, conditions and any required site-plan details will be decided by the Common Council.