• Brownsburg Buzz
  • Posts
  • The Buzz - Zoning Change Moves Forward in Brownsburg, B'Burg Man Convicted, Couple Sentenced

The Buzz - Zoning Change Moves Forward in Brownsburg, B'Burg Man Convicted, Couple Sentenced

Issue #048/ Feb. 28, 2024

28 Feb

 In This Issue of the Buzz 😀 

  🌞 Local Weather

 📆 Upcoming Local Events

⭐ Shop Local/Buy Local - Business

 ✅ Zoning Change Moves Forward in Brownsburg for Industrial Growth

⚖ Brownsburg Man Convicted in 2020 Stabbing Case

⚖ Brownsburg Couple Sentenced For Roles On Jan. 6

  

Upcoming Local Events

February 2024

March 2024

  • FC Bound

    • Date: February 29 - March 3, 2024

    • Description: An event designed for prospective students to explore Florida College and its offerings.

    • Location: Eaton Hall, 61 N. Green Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112

    • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

  • Camp Registration Opens

  • The HR Lab

    • Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024

    • Location: Eiteljorg Museum

    • More information can be found here on Eventbrite.

  • Improv Now

    • Date: March 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

    • Description: An improv event promising a night of entertainment and laughter.

    • Location: Eaton Hall, 61 N. Green Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112

    • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

  • Lock-In

    • Date: March 22, 2024, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

    • Description: An overnight event filled with various activities for attendees.

    • Location: The Flow Space, 8131 Kingston Street; Suite 500, Avon, IN 46123

    • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

  • Experience FC

    • Date: March 29, 2024

    • Description: An opportunity for individuals to experience what Florida College has to offer through various presentations and activities.

    • More Information: Greater Indiana Florida College Booster Club

Shop Local - Visit Our Local Businesses:

Shop Local - Visit Our Local Businesses:

Conditional Zoning Change Moves Forward in Brownsburg for Industrial Growth

Feb 26, 2024 Advisory Plan Commission Meeting

Opening and Preliminaries

  • The meeting was called to order, noting a quorum was present with the absence of Mr. Fylinger and Mr. Dorman.

  • A moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance were observed.

  • Lauren Bauslog introduced herself as the new associate planner.

  • Previous meeting minutes from January 22, 2024, were approved unanimously.

  • The memorandum of executive session and findings of fact reports for PCCA-23-1 (Beak and Point fence commitment) and PCCP-23-11 (Block A, Ronald Reagan Logistics Park at I-74) were approved separately, with no objections.

Public Hearing and Discussions

  • A new public hearing was opened for PCCC-23-4, concerning a conditional zone map amendment at the northwest corner of 700 North and Ronald Reagan Parkway extension. The amendment's approval was contingent upon the property's annexation into the town.

  • The amendment sought to change the zoning from AGR (agricultural) in the county to I-2 (high-intensity industrial) within Brownsburg, with the intention of fostering responsible development and growth aligned with the comprehensive plan and other strategic plans.

  • The staff presentation outlined the proposed zoning change, noting no immediate project was proposed for the site due to ongoing road extension work. However, a request was made to consider adding I-1 district uses to the I-2 zoning to allow for more flexibility in future development.

  • Significant discussion focused on the potential uses under the I-1 and I-2 zoning categories, with emphasis on ensuring that the development would be consistent with Brownsburg's comprehensive plan and would not adversely affect the area's current conditions or property values.

  • The staff recommended a favorable recommendation to the town council, subject to specific conditions and commitments regarding the zoning change and the annexation process.

Public Comments and Applicant's Response

  • Public comments raised concerns about the impact of industrial development on traffic, property values, and the rural character of the surrounding area. Questions were also raised about the necessity of additional industrial zoning given existing vacancies in other industrial developments within Brownsburg.

  • The applicant's attorney emphasized the property owners' longstanding community ties and their commitment to responsible development. They argued that the rezoning would align with strategic plans for growth along the Ronald Reagan corridor and provide a controlled, thoughtful approach to development, benefiting the town economically.

  • The commission discussed the public's concerns and the applicant's responses, focusing on the balance between growth and maintaining community character, as well as the procedural aspects of zoning changes and annexation.

  • The advisory plan commission concluded the discussion with a vote, sending a favorable recommendation to the town council for the conditional zone map amendment with the inclusion of I-1 uses in the I-2 zoning, subject to the annexation of the property into the town.

  • The meeting then transitioned to a different PowerPoint for the annual training, emphasizing the legal aspects of planning and zoning.

  • The floor was given to Mr. Krapf, who highlighted the importance of understanding the Open Door Law, emphasizing the need for a 48-hour notice for meetings, the broad definition of a meeting, and the implications of discussing commission business outside of properly noticed meetings.

  • Executive sessions and their limitations were discussed, including the requirement that final actions must be taken in public and the specifics of what can legally justify an executive session.

  • Public records and the importance of using town-issued email accounts for official communication were stressed to ensure compliance with public records laws.

  • Examples from the public access counselor were shared, illustrating the nuances of the Open Door Law and public records, including cases related to plan commissions and the importance of noticing meetings properly.

  • The training shifted to legal standards and case law relevant to plan commissions, discussing the standards for rezoning petitions, the definition of "reasonable regard" in considering comprehensive plans, and the importance of specific and concrete provisions in ordinances to avoid arbitrary and capricious decisions.

  • A focus on the 603 standards from the Indiana code was provided, with emphasis on the balanced consideration of factors and the legislative nature of rezoning requests, highlighting the deference courts give to local decision-making as long as it has a rational basis.

  • The UDO update and preliminary edits on chapter 5 were introduced, covering architectural standards for commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings, emphasizing the importance of masonry materials and the allowance for certain substitutions to meet aesthetic standards.

  • The discussion included considerations for the use of materials, the requirement for architectural enhancements for buildings using less than a specific percentage of masonry materials, and the need for clear guidelines on facades, mechanical equipment screening, and the distinction between different types of buildings.

  • The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the need for further discussion and clarification on various points, including the handling of institutional buildings, the nuances of architectural standards, and the specifics of material requirements and enhancements.

Watch the Replay Here: Town of Brownsburg

Brownsburg Man Convicted in 2020 Bloomington Stabbing Case

Kiandre Owens from Brownsburg was convicted of attempted murder after stabbing a woman in August 2020. He chose a bench trial over a jury trial, and the verdict came on the trial's first day, following multiple delays over three years. The attack occurred in Bloomington, where the victim, an 18-year-old woman, was found severely injured and identified Owens as her assailant. Owens was arrested after seeking treatment for a knife wound. His sentencing is set for March 21, with possible sentencing for a level one felony ranging from 20 to 40 years.

 

Brownsburg Couple Sentenced for Roles in Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

An Indiana couple, Arthur and Jessica Reyher from Brownsburg, Indiana, were sentenced for their roles in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach. Arthur received an eight-month prison sentence, three years of supervised release, $2,000 in restitution, and 200 hours of community service. Jessica was sentenced to 90 days in prison, three years of supervised release, and must also pay $2,000 in restitution. They both admitted guilt to obstructing law enforcement during the event.

Their participation included attending the "Stop the Steal" rally, entering the Capitol's restricted area, and actively pushing against police lines in a tunnel during the riot. The couple made multiple attempts to breach police defenses, encouraging and physically participating in the effort against law enforcement. They were arrested in March 2023, and their case highlights the ongoing legal repercussions for those involved in the Capitol riot, with over 1,313 individuals charged and the investigation still ongoing.

Haven’t subscribed yet? Subscribe to Brownsburg Buzz NOW!