July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Zoning for hotel advances (02/02/07)
Portland Planning Commission
By By RACHELLE HAUGHN-
The horizon on the west side of Portland could look different next year thanks to a decision by a local board.
The nod was given Thursday for rezoning needed to develop a hotel along West Votaw Street.
And 17 months after first pitching the project, its developer is hoping he will finally see a Holiday Inn Express hotel come to fruition.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the hotel could be held as soon as April, developer Scott Daniels told Portland Planning Commission members.
The commission voted to recommend that the Portland City Council rezone 4.84 acres needed for the project to highway service from agricultural. The council is expected to vote on the matter Monday at 7 p.m.
If no development takes place at the site by one year, however, the property will revert back to being zoned agricultural. A similar stipulation was set up when the commission voted in December of 2005 for 60.92 acres located north of Portland along U.S. 27 to be rezoned for the project. Construction never began at that site.
Eugene and Jane Gillum own the property on West Votaw Street that developer Scott Daniels and his investors are eyeing for the hotel. Daniels told members of the commission on Thursday, "Currently we do have an agreement with the Gillums for that property."
When Daniels was asked why he chose this property he declined to comment. He also declined to comment after the meeting about why he never developed the property north of Portland.
Daniels also plans to use about 2 acres also owned by the Gillums for his project. That acreage, located next to the 4.84 acres, did not have to be rezoned because it already is zoned highway service. He said this, plus the 4.84 acres will be enough land for his project. A house sets near the highway at the front of the property.
Before commission members voted, Daniels explained the layout of the project and answered questions.
Commission member Bob Loucks asked how Daniels planned to get utilities run to the hotel site. Daniels said there is a sewer line close to the property.
He reminded the commission that members of the Portland Board of Works gave approval in January to extend city water service to the site. He said electricity and telephone access also would likely be available.
Loucks also asked if any storm water would run into the nearby Wehrly ditch. Daniels said some likely would.
Commission president Vicki Tague said drainage plans for the project would have to be approved by the Jay County Commissioners.
Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier was the only audience member who commented. He said, "We don't anticipate any drainage problems out there."
Daniels said the plan is to build a 73-room hotel with a restaurant. He would like it to open in the spring of 2008. A convention center could be built later, he said.
After the meeting, Daniels said he is working with the Indiana Department of Transportation to get a permit for highway access.[[In-content Ad]]
The nod was given Thursday for rezoning needed to develop a hotel along West Votaw Street.
And 17 months after first pitching the project, its developer is hoping he will finally see a Holiday Inn Express hotel come to fruition.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the hotel could be held as soon as April, developer Scott Daniels told Portland Planning Commission members.
The commission voted to recommend that the Portland City Council rezone 4.84 acres needed for the project to highway service from agricultural. The council is expected to vote on the matter Monday at 7 p.m.
If no development takes place at the site by one year, however, the property will revert back to being zoned agricultural. A similar stipulation was set up when the commission voted in December of 2005 for 60.92 acres located north of Portland along U.S. 27 to be rezoned for the project. Construction never began at that site.
Eugene and Jane Gillum own the property on West Votaw Street that developer Scott Daniels and his investors are eyeing for the hotel. Daniels told members of the commission on Thursday, "Currently we do have an agreement with the Gillums for that property."
When Daniels was asked why he chose this property he declined to comment. He also declined to comment after the meeting about why he never developed the property north of Portland.
Daniels also plans to use about 2 acres also owned by the Gillums for his project. That acreage, located next to the 4.84 acres, did not have to be rezoned because it already is zoned highway service. He said this, plus the 4.84 acres will be enough land for his project. A house sets near the highway at the front of the property.
Before commission members voted, Daniels explained the layout of the project and answered questions.
Commission member Bob Loucks asked how Daniels planned to get utilities run to the hotel site. Daniels said there is a sewer line close to the property.
He reminded the commission that members of the Portland Board of Works gave approval in January to extend city water service to the site. He said electricity and telephone access also would likely be available.
Loucks also asked if any storm water would run into the nearby Wehrly ditch. Daniels said some likely would.
Commission president Vicki Tague said drainage plans for the project would have to be approved by the Jay County Commissioners.
Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier was the only audience member who commented. He said, "We don't anticipate any drainage problems out there."
Daniels said the plan is to build a 73-room hotel with a restaurant. He would like it to open in the spring of 2008. A convention center could be built later, he said.
After the meeting, Daniels said he is working with the Indiana Department of Transportation to get a permit for highway access.[[In-content Ad]]
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