Land use designation gets approval by Floyd County Plan Commission

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August 18, 2009

Move opens door for Harley Davidson store in Highlander Point corridor

By CHRIS MORRIS The News and Tribune Tue Aug 18, 2009, 01:37 PM EDT

The Floyd County Plan Commission paved the way Monday night for a Harley Davidson retail store to open in the Highlander Point corridor.

The plan commission voted 5-4 to change the land use for an automobile sales and indoor services store in a general commercial area from conditional to permitted. The change allows businesses which fall in that category to open without having to “jump through as many hoops,” as described by one board member.

The first vote for the land use change was 4-4-1. But after further discussion, Don Loughmiller joined Steve Bush, Callie Potts, Bill Gibson and Charlie Zipp in voting in favor of the change.

A Harley Davidson shop is wanting to open in Lafollette Station near the Taco Bell in what is designated a “gateway district.” The shop will sell motorcycles, Harley Davidson merchandise and perform minor repairs.

Bush — who also is a Floyd County Commissioner — said the store could generate $3 million a year in revenue and employ 15 people. He said it will draw visitors to the area who will spend their money in Floyd County restaurants and businesses.

Bush also said prior to the vote that neighboring counties — Clark and Harrison — already classify such a business as permitted.

“This is not a grease pit,” Bush said. “I think we are at another crossroads. This is a way to attract people to our area. I don’t think this will hurt the area.”

Member Larry Boaz said he had nothing against Harley Davidson stores, but doesn’t think one would be compatible with the businesses already located in the area. He also worries about events like special sales, which may bring in hundreds of bikers to the location.

But Bush said that would be no different from the ride Friday, led by Gov. Mitch Daniels, which attracted several bikers or the many motorcycle charity events each year.

Resident Carol Lamb disagreed. She said she recently visited a elderly lady in Kentucky, and the two had to stop their conversation because of motorcycle noise.

“It was a nuisance. Would you want one next door to you?” Lamb asked board members. “I think the correct kind of commercial needs to go into the correct space.”

Potts asked board members what was the difference from motorcyclists visiting the Harley Davidson store to those getting gas across the street. They all make the same noise in the same area.

However, board member John Schellenberger said the noise could decrease the home values in the area.

The land use change only pertains to general commercial areas.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

• The board allowed a 12-month extension to the Glenwood Farms Inc. development along Grant Line Road.

The development calls for 172 single-family lots — along with patio homes, condominiums and a business area — on 162 acres which currently houses a training facility for thoroughbreds. Developers hope to break ground next spring.

SO YOU KNOW

• VOTING FOR LAND USE CHANGE

Don Loughmiller, Steve Bush, Callie Potts, Bill Gibson and Charlie Zipp

• VOTING AGAINST

Glenn Riggs, Larry Boaz, John Schellenberger and Tom Springstun

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