U.S. 27 subdivision passes initial step

A planned eight- or nine-lot subdivision along Webster Road and U.S. 27 took an initial step toward development Dec. 12 by receiving a variance of use from Wayne County’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

Webster Heights would use about 20 acres from two parcels that are bordered on the north by the Cummings Brothers subdivision. The variance of use permits developer Scott Pierce to pursue platting for the subdivision in agricultural zoning. 

Representative Gordon Moore presented a site plan that has two roads with cul-de-sacs from Webster Road and nine lots ranging from 1.5 acres to 3.08 acres. Moore said the plan could scale back to eight lots.

Residents of Timothy Drive, whose homes would be adjacent to the new subdivision, and from across Webster Road expressed concerns about the subdivision.

Katie Mounts said her family purchased its Timothy Drive home mainly because of the view and built a $10,000 deck to enjoy that view. With the subdivision, the deck would overlook backyards. She also expressed concerns about traffic. From U.S. 27, residents of Webster Heights would turn onto Union Pike, then onto Webster Road to access their lanes.

Chris Retz said he hates trying to dictate what others do with their land; however, he fears the impact a subdivision will have on his Timothy Drive property. He has had problems with his basement drains backing up and fears the subdivision would exacerbate drainage issues.

Robert Scarrette, who lives across Webster Road, worries that the subdivision would increase water runoff onto his property and the drainage would have contaminants from asphalt and roofing.

Moore said there’s a drainage tile that runs diagonally across the planned subdivision with a grassy ditch above it. He said the tile would likely require repairs. A drainage plan would need to go before the county’s drainage board for approval.

The drainage plan and issues such as traffic are beyond the BZA’s jurisdiction, said Kristen Ward, the BZA’s chair. The BZA has to trust other government agencies to handle those issues, she said.

BZA member Randy Newman said the fundamental issue before the BZA was whether to protect farmland by maintaining the farmland.

Laura Miller, who heads the county’s planning and zoning department, said a subdivision would be responsible use of the land because it fits between other subdivisions.

The BZA votes on five findings of fact that all must be found in the affirmative for variance approval. Newman voted against three findings of fact, so two passed 5-0 and three 4-1.

Insulation business

William Haager and Jeremy Creech received two variances of use to build additional structures for their insulation installation business at 13275 W. U.S. 40 just east of Pershing.

The business needs an additional storage building on the west side of the existing building and a two-sided building to shelter vehicles on the east side. Employees pick up materials at the site then head to the job site. The business mostly serves schools, hospitals and commercial customers.

The site has previously housed a car sales business, water softener salt sales business and body shop.

Amended approval

Stephan Zook requested an amendment to approval he received during 2022 for his truss construction business at 10054 Arba Pike, Fountain City.

Zook said his business had grown faster than expected and he needs to add two buildings, one to store delivered truss lumber and another for scrap lumber and sawdust. The scrap is ground and sold.

The board approved the requested amendment.