Elkhart couple granted Special Use to permit home based business near Plymouth Hospital

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 12:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

George and Melinda Folkers, owners of Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee and Kona Ice in Marshall County, were granted a Special Exception by the Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals this month to allow a home-based business for the storage of their vehicles at 2220 Lake Avenue in Plymouth.

The flag-shaped property is located immediately west of the Plymouth Hospital and church on the curve and heads north behind several properties along Lake Avenue/SR 17. Currently, there is no structure on the property, but the Folkers plan on building a home that would also house the business vehicles.

Ty Adley, the Plymouth Plan Director, stated that the property is currently zoned R-2 Suburban Residential, which permits home-based businesses with a special use permit.

The petitioners told the BZA that they currently reside in Elkhart but have been searching for a location to relocate and establish their business. They currently have three vehicles but anticipate adding one or two more.

BZA member Mark Gidley asked if they would have signage at the road, and the Folkers said they have no plans for any signage. They won’t be selling anything on the property; it is just a place to house the business vehicles.

During the public hearing, neighbor Greg Carroll Jr. expressed his support for the proposal.

Mike Delp and his partners from Michiana LLC own the doctor’s office around the corner and wanted to understand what the request was for and ensure there wouldn’t be an impact on their building. They are supportive of new people and businesses coming to Plymouth.

Dennis Manuwal, the Plymouth Building Commissioner, stated that the Folkers had applied for a building permit months ago, after purchasing the property and tearing down the home. He said he has already made improvements in the community and supported their request.

The Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a motion to allow the Special Use permit for George and Melinda Folkers at 2220 Lake Avenue.