Plan commission forwards Peggy Bryce rezoning to county commissioners for outdoor education use

The Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Delaware County Commissioners consider a zoning change requested by Peggy Bryce to consolidate split zoning at 6601 and 6609 East Windsor Road.

Kathy Van Nuys, a land surveyor with Ashton Land Surveyor, presented the application. She said the owner intends to move both parcels into the farming zone to enable a future plat and to set aside a wetland area as a wildlife/educational refuge. Van Nuys said the owner will request two variances: one to permit access via an easement rather than direct frontage on a public road, and a second related to setback requirements because the existing structures sit too close to each other for standard platting.

A neighbor, William Garrett, said he was not in opposition but wanted clarity on whether the planned use would constitute a school and whether nearby property owners were notified. Staff and the presenter said the intended use is an outdoor educational facility operated by a nonprofit called Sarah's Niche for guided tours and field trips, not a regular school. Staff also explained that property owners within 300 feet are notified; Garrett said one nearby owner told him they had not received notice, and staff observed that some addresses are not published for safety reasons and thus may not receive mailed notice.

A motion for a favorable recommendation was put to roll call and the commission recorded six yes votes; the recommendation will be forwarded to the Delaware County Commissioners and will be heard by that body on July 20 at 9 a.m. Staff noted that the applicant will pursue the variances during the platting process.

The commission's vote was recorded as unanimous for forwarding the recommendation; neighbors and the public may appear at the county hearing to provide additional comment.