County BZA tables request for storage units on former Try Way Golf Course property

The Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals tabled the request for a variance to allow multiple storage units for Carmen Farm LLC at 12939 4A Road north of Plymouth.

Dan Falk proposed a total of 14 buildings on the 54-acre parcel, with five buildings to be constructed in Phase I.  After review by the Technical Review Committee, they and the county plan staff recommended approval.  

County BZA board president Jeff Gustafson said Derek Dodson approached him about this case because he is the contractor. He said, Carmen Farms didn’t want to spend a lot of money on surveys and drawings until they knew if they could get the variance.  Gustafson told Dodson that since the county doesn’t have a plan director, and you wanted to move forward, submit a rough drawing of the plans.

Falk said he plans to put the first five buildings on a 10-acre parcel where the hard surface will be less than 30% of the parcel. The stormwater retention area will be on the south side of the project that fronts Michigan Road.  The drive and parking areas will be gravel. 

During the public hearing, a few people spoke against the request. Dana Kinney owns 112 acres southeast of the proposed project and was concerned with water run-off.  He didn’t want their water runoff flooding his farm field.

Gustafson told Kinney that Carmen Farms will have to provide an engineered drainage plan detailing how they will control the water with a slow release. 

Bill Norris, who lives east of the project on Maple Road, was concerned about driveway access. When he learned the driveway would be off Michigan Road, his concern of traffic and trash was dispelled.   

David Kinney, owner of the Tri Way Drive-In Theatre, said he’s been trying to rectify a property line error with Falk because it goes through the middle of screen number three. The BZA told him the property line issue is a legal issue between the two parties and not part of this variance request. 

Falk said he has no plans to do anything with the movie screen. He knows part of it sits on his property, but he said when the screen falls, they will rectify the issue because he has no intention of selling off any of the property.   He assured them he wouldn’t tear down the screen.

Gustafson said, “I would recommend, since I stuck my nose into this to start with Derek, just so you would have an idea and know what was going to happen, that we table this.  You come back with your print of exactly what you want to do with dimensions, elevations, and drainage system next month for consideration.”

Falk said he is already committed to the project, since the TRC was in favor.  He has already hired the survey work and drainage plans, which will be completed this week.  He told the County BZA, If you can’t approve it tonight, I will be back next month.

Gustafson told Falk that with the obstacles stated during the public hearing, you can address those issues at next month’s meeting. 

BZA member Trent Bennett suggested contacting a lawyer and creating an easement for the movie screen. 

The Marshall County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously motioned to table the variance request.