BHS Student Charged As Adult In Murder; Advisory Plan Commission - New Zonings, ReZonings, New Residential Developments ... blah, blah, blah

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The Advisory Plan Commission Meeting - New Zonings, ReZonings, New Residential Developments … blah, blah, blah

(Mar 25, 2024 Advisory Plan Commission)

• The Town of Brownsburg Advisory Plan Commission convened on March 25th, 2024, with a quorum present, albeit absent two members, Mr. Miller and Kent. The meeting opened with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Approval of the previous meeting minutes from February 26th, 2024, passed without any objections.

• Clarifications were made regarding the findings of fact and reports of determination for case PCCZ-23-4, including correcting an error in the meeting minutes from February 26th, which was ratified by the commission.

• A request for continuance was discussed for the PCMA-24-1 Centennial subdivision, highlighting that while newspaper notices had been issued, further notification adjustments were required.

• The commission reviewed the PSDP-24-1 quick trip development plan, part of the Ronald Reagan Logistics Part Phase Two. This involved discussions on consistency with the comprehensive plan, design and construction standards, zoning compliance, parking, architecture, landscaping, and site circulation. Several variances and compliance issues were addressed, focusing particularly on the proposed quick trip store's construction, access roads, and drainage and utility infrastructure.

• Concerns were raised about site access, particularly regarding semi-trailer access and circulation within the site. Discussions also touched on architectural and landscaping requirements, with emphasis on ensuring the development met all standards and conditions recommended by staff.

• The commission explored the implications of the development on local traffic, especially the impact on Lacey Knot Drive and Ronald Reagan Parkway. Issues related to site access, the potential for congestion, and the adequacy of proposed entrances and exits were critically assessed.

• The commission moved to approve the development plan for PSDP-24-1 quick trip, subject to staff recommendations and addressing any pending technical comments.

• No old business, continued public hearings, or new public hearings were on the agenda.

• Introduction of Ethan Smart, a new member of the planning team, and discussions on updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) took place. Key focus areas included landscaping requirements, buffer zones, and the importance of consistency in development standards across various types of residential and commercial developments.

• Downtown Development and Parking Issues:

  • Discussion on the absence of specific parking requirements during construction phases, considering the impracticality of temporary parking lots due to drainage issues and space constraints.

  • Acknowledgment of underutilized parking facilities, like the garage east of Union Green, and the need for better signage and wayfinding to improve utilization.

  • Suggestions to increase parking requirements for mixed-use developments to alleviate parking conflicts between residential and retail uses.

• Parking Garage Utilization:

  • Recognition that parking allocation and signage in garages might not be sufficiently clear to users, potentially contributing to underutilization.

  • Observations that surface lots and certain garages seem adequately used, indicating a possible lack of awareness about available parking options.

• Reevaluation of Parking Standards:

  • A call for reevaluation of parking standards to address the reality of parking usage and the need for spaces to be in walkable areas rather than prime locations.

• Bicycle Parking:

  • Proposal for mandatory bike parking requirements, with discussion on the appropriate substitution rate for bike racks against car parking spaces and the minimum number of bike spaces required.

• Zoning and Development Standards:

  • Debates on the need for flexibility in parking angles and aisle widths within parking lots, and the impact of large vehicles on parking lot safety.

  • Discussion on driveway widths, the allowance of multiple driveways for a single residence, and the impact of residential driveways in agricultural districts.

• Public Engagement and Process:

  • Agreement on a five-minute recess, indicating a long duration of the meeting and the need for breaks.

  • Discussion on the need for public engagement in the planning process and how to better involve the community in development decisions.

• Miscellaneous Topics:

  • Mention of various administrative procedures, like the process for vacating rights-of-way and easements, enforcement of zoning codes, and the challenges in maintaining consistent and clear regulations.

  • Consideration of amendments to existing standards, such as bike rack requirements and the specifics of parking space dimensions.

To view the video replay of the meeting -

Go to Town of Brownsburg.

Brownsburg High School Student Charged As An Adult In Murder

The teenage suspect in the murder of Carlos Jair Neri-Guzman earlier this month is now facing adult charges in connection to the fatal incident. The individual in question, Jeremy Allen Briscoe, 15, stands accused of several serious offenses including murder and aggravated battery with a firearm, in addition to charges for unlawfully possessing a dangerous weapon.

Details from an affidavit filed reveal that Briscoe, who is identified as a Brownsburg High School student, was implicated in a violent event that culminated in the death of a 20-year-old man, Carlos Jair Neri-Guzman. This tragic sequence of events began to unravel on March 5, when a vehicle was reported to have crashed into a residential property on Memorial Knoll Drive, directly impacting the kitchen area of the house.

Responding to the crash, occupants of the home discovered Neri-Guzman inside the vehicle, unresponsive and showing signs of a gunshot wound, as evidenced by a bullet hole visible in the windshield. Despite prompt medical attention, Neri-Guzman succumbed to his injuries. Authorities at the scene also found a firearm and a cellphone within the crashed vehicle.

Further investigation led officers to a nearby location where additional evidence, including a 9mm ammunition casing, was found in a community pool parking lot. This discovery, coupled with security camera footage from the parking lot, helped investigators piece together the events leading up to the shooting. It appears the meeting between Briscoe and Neri-Guzman was arranged in advance, during which Briscoe allegedly fired the fatal shot.

In the hours after the shooting, law enforcement tracked Briscoe to a residence on McClain Drive. A response team was deployed to the location and Briscoe was taken into custody. A search of the premises led to the seizure of two firearms, including a 9mm without a serial number.

Following his arrest, Briscoe was initially held at the Hendricks County Jail before being transferred to a juvenile detention facility in Johnson County. With his first court appearance scheduled for March 28.

Upcoming Local Events

March 2024

• VITA Free Tax Prep

  • Date: (Ongoing through various dates)

  • Description: Free tax preparation for individuals and families with a combined household income of $66,000 or less in 2023, by IRS-certified volunteers.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Public Library website​​.

• Park Authority

  • Date: March 28, 2024

  • Description: Meeting discussing parks and recreational activities in Brownsburg, held at the Town Hall Council Room.

  • More Information: Town of Brownsburg

• Town Council Meeting

  • Date: March 28, 2024

  • Description: Town Council gathers to discuss various community-related topics in the Town Hall Council Room.

  • More Information: Town of Brownsburg

• SOLD OUT: Teen Certified Babysitter's Course

  • Date: March 28, 2024

  • Description: A course for teens interested in babysitting, covering safety and care, at Brownsburg Public Library. Includes American Red Cross certification.

  • More Information: Brownsburg Public Library

• Town Hall & Departments Closed in Observance of Good Friday

  • Date: March 29, 2024

  • Description: All day closure of the town hall and other departments for Good Friday.

  • More Information: Town of Brownsburg

• 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

• Reading with Wisdom

  • Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024

  • Time: 10:30 am to 11:30 am

  • Description: Join this enlightening event filled with books, music, and games at the Brownsburg Public Library. It's a great opportunity for families to connect and encourage children to develop a love for reading.

  • More Information: Event Details