Commission approves rezoning of 6.4 acres near Micropulse to industrial park manufacturing

The Whitley County Planning Commission approved a rezoning request (26W Rezoning One) to reclassify 6.4 acres on State Road 14 from AG (agricultural) to IPM (industrial park manufacturing), a request filed for Brian and Sonya Emrick.

Staff member Brent told the commission the parcels sit adjacent to Micropulse and are largely surrounded by industrial and commercial zoning; he said the comprehensive plan designates the area for industrial and commercial uses and characterized the rezoning as a proactive measure to allow possible future expansion.

Petitioner Sonya Emrick (5865 East State Road 14, Columbia City) offered no additional detail beyond thanking staff and inviting questions. A commission member announced a recusal before the item on the ground of kinship with the petitioners; the transcript records that member declining to take part in discussion or vote. The roll-call responses recorded seven members voting "I" (yes) and two members recorded as abstaining (Travis Baker and Brent Emrick). The chair declared the motion passed.

The commission did not record any public comments on the rezoning petition. The rezoning will take effect as recorded in the county's adoption procedures and any future development will proceed under IPM standards and applicable permitting requirements.