BZA gives cheese business its OK

Cheese lovers could have a new location to purchase fresh cheese after a decision by the Wayne County Board of Zoning Appeals.

During their April 10 meeting, BZA members granted a variance of use to allow the processing and sales of cheese and other dairy products at 5091 Palmer Road, which is northwest of Webster. Petitioner Elmer Glick said the business would begin with just cheese, but the variance for the agricultural zoning offers flexibility for further expansion.

Glick has dairy facilities on the 122-acre property and he has a 1,000-gallon tank on a trailer to acquire more milk from neighboring farms. Glick plans to hire four employees outside his family.

The processing facility received permission to operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the retail sales available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

BZA members also approved Glick’s request to reduce the required setback from the road’s center line for a business sign. The requirement is 30 feet, but Glick requested 17 feet for better visibility. The 17 feet will be reviewed by the county highway department to ensure the sign does not encroach the county’s right-of-way along the road.

Used car lot

In another decision, Josh and Makayla Wampler received permission to sell used cars at their 6432 Manning Road residence, which is north of Indiana 38 between Greens Fork and Hagerstown.

BZA members expressed concerns about not making the sales area look too commercial. The approval includes a maximum of 24 square feet for a two-sided business sign near the roadway.

The Wamplers said they would not have more than 12 vehicles on the lot at one time and their customers learn about the vehicles online. The lot would have business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday with no other employees.

With the approval, Josh Wampler can apply for a state dealer’s license. He has been selling a few vehicles from the location, but is expanding his sales after the business where he worked closed.