Township votes down rezoning request
The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees held a public hearing on Aug. 26 regarding a request to rezone a 15-acre plot of land between state Route 212 and Wilkshire Boulevard in Bolivar. The landowner, Dr. David “Doc” Krizman of Indiana, is asking for the property to be rezoned C-3 instead of C-1, as it is currently.
Around 15 people from the community attended the meeting, some to share opinions and others simply to listen.
Terry Flitcraft said he and his wife Charlotte bought their condominium across from the land at issue about 10 years ago. “The main reason we decided to live there was community and the rural setting,” he said. “We don’t want any kind of shopping centers or busy traffic. It’s a big deal to us.”
Charlotte Flitcraft expressed concern that a shopping center or truck stop could be built on the land if it were zoned C-3 commercial. “We don’t want to see Exit 93 become the next truck stop. We have our walking path, and the baseball fields are going in. We have our flying club my husband just joined. Heavy trucking would take all that away. We’d just like to know more about what type of business it would be.”
Dave Bennett concurred. “If the owner has a plan, it would be nice to know it before we change the zoning.”
“There comes a point where you have to forego the moneys you make from these businesses and realize we want to stay rural. That’s why we’re here,” said Lois Girard, another resident.
Zoning inspector Ron Weekley said the only types of businesses he has heard mentioned being built on the parcel are storage units or a hotel, due to expected business from the Massarelli baseball fields being built on Arrowhead.
Ted Finlayson, who represents Krizman and his company, Wilkshire Holdings Inc., said Krizman has had prospective buyers interested in storage units and a hotel. “That’s not set in stone,” Finlayson said. “But because of the MASH Factory ball games and overflow from the Hall of Fame activities, people go to Dover or Phila to stay overnight.”
One of the potential buyers, Andrew Zimmerman, said he saw a need for storage units. “I’m from this area, and I’m not looking to ruin anything at all. It’s more about meeting a need within the community. I don’t want to disrupt things at all.”
Weekley said rezoning the land to a C-2 would allow for conditionally permitted storage units but not gas stations, restaurants or other businesses allowed under the requested C-3 zoning.
Trustee Don Ackerman said he didn’t like to change the zoning without knowing the plans for the land. “You’re part of the solution by coming here and expressing your opinions.”
Trustee Matt Ritterbeck thanked the residents who came, agreeing he would prefer to know any prospective buyer’s plans. However, he said he also believes the land on both sides of Route 212 in Wilkshire Hills will probably get developed within the next 10 years.
Board chairman Mike Haueter said he thinks some types of businesses allowed under the current C-3 zoning are probably not acceptable and trustees should address the zoning. He also requested Finlayson relay a message to Krizman and prospective buyers. “I’m all for business opportunities, but we’d rather have a plan than a blanket request for change.”
Weekley told residents of the zoning commission meetings held the first Monday of every month at the Township Hall. “Those are open meetings, so if the community doesn’t like what’s in the zoning or has questions, come to the meetings.”
In the end the trustees voted unanimously not to change the zoning at this time.
