Greenhouse gets green light (1/16/04)

A greenhouse in Bearcreek Township, new rules and procedures and new officers were all approved Thursday by a county zoning board.

The Jay County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4-0 to approve a special exception requested by a rural Bryant resident who plans to run a retail greenhouse at his home property, which is zoned agricultural/residential.

The request was made by Harvey Christner, 2815 East 800 North. The greenhouse will be operated by Daniel J.B. Schwartz.

BZA members Don Loy, Dennis Rodgers, Steve Fennig and Jerry Thornburg were told by Jay/Portland Building and Planning administrator Bill Milligan that nearby property owners had been notified of the request and that no objections had been filed.

Fennig, also a rural Bryant resident, said that the greenhouse will be located at least 100 yards from county road 800 North.

Christner, who is Amish, did not appear at Thursday’s hearing but wrote a letter to board members explaining his request.

The special exception was granted on a 4-0 vote.

Also Thursday, BZA members adopted formal rules and procedures. The rules are based on state law, Milligan said.

The board of zoning appeals has been guided by the county zoning ordinance in the past, but has never had written guidelines.

Rodgers was re-elected as chairman of the BZA, drawing a laugh from fellow board members and several students in attendance when he said “as long as I’m guaranteed no big crowds (at meetings), I’d be glad to do it.”

Thornburg also was re-elected as vice-chairman, while Fennig was chosen as secretary. Gayle Davenport, administrative assistant for the building and planning department, will continue as the recording secretary.[[In-content Ad]]