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This is the WFHB Local News for Thursday, May 4th, 2023.
Later in the program, we review the results of this week’s Primary Election in Monroe County. More in the bottom half of our program.
Also coming up in the next half hour, Tracking and Stalking on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB.
But first, your local headlines:
Monroe County Commissioners
The Monroe County Commissioners voted on a rezone request at their meeting on April 26th. Senior Planner Drew Myers, presented on the request from petitioner Tim Rolfsen, who is asking for the commissioners to amend the Zoning Map on a property located in Bloomington Township at 4851 North Kinser Pike.
Meyers explained that the petitioner is requesting the rezone to establish a winery on the property. The current zoning on the property is Estate Residential One. Rolfsen is requesting it be changed to Agricultural / Rural Reserve.
Meyers shared that the Plan Commission discussed this rezone request at multiple meetings. He said they did reach a positive recommendation with a vote of 6 to 3. The recommendation was passed with three conditions.
Meyers summarized the main concerns that the staff heard from neighbors in the area who submitted letters of opposition to the winery.
Meyers shared that there was one letter of support, who wrote that they are in favor of the winery, and think it would, “add beauty, community, and enjoyment to our area of living.”
Commissioner Penny Githens asked about the number of events the petitioner would have at the winery, and if the rezone would remain if the property was sold to someone else in the future. Meyers responded.
Githens also added that while driving on Bell Road she understood the residents’ concerns about an increase in traffic due to the small nature of the road.
Commissioner Julie Thomas asked how the noise ordinance would be enforced. Meyers said that noise complaints go to the sheriff’s department.
The petitioner, Tim Rolfsen, spoke to the commissioners about the concerns the neighbors voiced in their letters of opposition.
During public comment, Monroe County Resident, Jana Hasty, said that the goals of the winery would always be in opposition to the goals of the homeowners.
Also during public comment, Monroe County Resident Paul Grey said that he has seen Oliver Winery grow over the years, and expects that this winery would be the same.
The commissioners voted to not approve the rezone request, with Penny Githens voting yes, and Commissioners Julie Thomas and Lee Jones voting no.
Feature Reports:
Up next, we turn to WFHB News Correspondents Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider for the Monroe County Primary Election results.
Up next, Tracking and Stalking on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider.
Better Beware is produced by Richard Fish.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
