Planning commission approves legal committment for Cobblestone

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Vigo County's Area Planning Commission tonight heard arguments on two controversial re-zoning ordinances.

Business leaders want to build, and people living in Vigo County want to preserve their neighborhoods.

Tonight, the Area Planning Commission looked at two different zoning cases. In the first case; a developer proposed building a Dollar General in Otter Creek Township. The second was a continuation of the Cobblestone crossing re-zoning controversy.

Both neighborhoods turned out in high numbers.

First, the planning commission looked at re-zoning a property from residential to commercial at 6753 North Clinton Street. That's near the Sky King Airport and Foxes Grocery in Northern Vigo County. A developer proposed turning that spot into a Dollar General.

After an hour debate the commission offered an unfavorable recommendation to Vigo County commissioners.

In the second matter; neighbors asked the commission to add legal documentation to hold accountable Cobblestone Crossing's developer of commitments he agreed to. The developer in September agreed to build a stonewall near its neighbors in the Woodgate Subdivision.

Developers also agreed to create a performance bond to ensure the wall is built regardless. That ended a stop work order.

Members of Woodgate community say it's the assurance they need going forward.

The area planning commission voted to give a favorable recommendation for cobblestone's development going forward, but they attached the written commitments to hold the developer accountable legally.

Once again the planning commission does not ultimately decide the fate of these properties that is left up to the commissioners.