Drainage board delays decision on Bigby Coffee driveway variance, will send letter to city

Dustin Sturtevant, a North Manchester property owner, asked the Kosciusko County Drainage Board for a variance to use an existing curb cut as the driveway entrance for a proposed 444-square-foot prefab Bigby Coffee building, saying the cut lies within a 75-foot drainage easement and that he is seeking only an entrance variance, not a permanent structure.

"The only entrance and access... is gonna be the already precut in, right next to the creek," Sturtevant said, describing easements and his efforts to meet SBA loan requirements by parcel-splitting.

The board discussed the proposal and the limits of the drainage board’s jurisdiction over road cuts. Chair (S1) noted that city approval is also necessary and asked whether the applicant would prefer the drainage board to table action until the city’s traffic review is complete. The board agreed to delay a final vote and to provide a letter from the surveyor’s office stating the drainage board’s willingness to work with the applicant as he pursues city approvals.

Board members questioned whether alternative plans (including connecting to Walter Way) might remove the need for the current variance. Sturtevant said he has prepared a secondary plan but that the city traffic board and final permitting remain unresolved. The applicant told the board he is working with city planners and engineers and that he wants the board’s input to help proceed with city approvals.

Chair (S1) said the board will document its support in the meeting minutes and prepare a letter to the city to help Sturtevant move forward. The board’s action was procedural: the request was tabled pending the city’s final determination and additional site-plan details, with a written letter of support to be prepared in the interim.

The item will return to a future meeting after the applicant shares updated site plans and the city traffic board provides guidance.