The Batesville City Council approved a zoning change and accepted a deed of dedication of an alley at Tuesday’s meeting.
The zoning change affects a tract of land near Harrison Street and adjacent to the former Batesville Country Club and Golf Course. The tract was formerly zoned R-1 (residential) but was changed to C-1 (commercial community). the Batesville Planning Commission recommended the change.
The council also approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, also recommended by the commission, to allow for the rezoning. The commission previously held a public hearing on both matters.
The council accepted a deed of dedication of an alley accessed by Water Street in the Old Town Addition downtown. The dedication was made by BKG, LLC. Wesley J. “Butch” Ketz, Jr., managing member of BKG, explained to the council that this family owns the property. He said the owners want to dedicate the 20-foot wide alley to the city for public use. He said the public has used the alleyway to access buildings in the block.
The council voted 7-1 to accept the alley. Council member Sonya Crafton was absent.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Independence County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeff Sims, who died Saturday at age 44. Police Chief Alan Cockrill was attending Sims’ visitation and did not give his monthly report.
City Engineer Damon Johnson gave his report, which included work on a water line on White Drive that serves the eastern part of the city, including the industrial park. He said work is underway on a long-term plan for the water plant. Work on the sewer line on College Street continues and likely will into the summer.
Mayor Rick Elumbaugh also delivered the State of the City speech to the council which you can read in full by clicking here.
Reporting by Bob Qualls
