The Starke County Commissioners decided to table a decision on a rezoning recommendation by the Starke County Planning Commission. The recommendation was to rezone 350 acres from residential to agriculture to pave the way for the installation of solar panels in the Bass Lake and neighboring area.
The acreage is located west of U.S. 35 south of County Road 600 S. in Knox, south of County Road 800 S. in Monterey and on east side of U.S. 35 at 800 S.
Starke County Marty Lucas explained that the attorney for the company said petition paperwork signed by the developer and landowners, but it was not clear if the paperwork was filed with the board.
Chris Shelmon, an attorney for the project, said all paperwork has been submitted and commented that they are comfortable moving forward as timing of the project is important.
Commissioner Mark Gourley asked to see the maps again before making a decision and made a motion to table a decision until the February 1 meeting. Lucas said that does fit within the 90-day window from the Starke County Planning Commission’s recommendation. It will also give the commissioners more time to look at up-to-date packets. That motion was approved with a unanimous vote.
