The Area Plan Commission Meeting began with the approval of the September 3rd and October 1st meeting minutes.
Decatur County Area Plan Revitalization Ordinance was approved on its second reading. This ordinance takes the blighted project concerns to the Area Plan Commission instead of taking it to the Decatur County Commissioners.
APC Petition 2025-26 – Nathan Crowell received approval to subdivide approx. 5.00 acres out of 160 acres and rezone approx. 2.99 acres from an A-1 zoning classification to an A-2 zoning classification to build a single family detached dwelling. The plan is to build a house and a pole barn. Request falls under Decatur County Ordinance Section Number 915 & 920(7). The property is owned by Stephen & Judy Crowell and is located just East of 2458 E CR 300 S, Greensburg in Washington Township.
APC Petition 2025-29 – Jason Riggs (Ryan Whitley represented Jason during the meeting) received an approval for approx. 100’x100’ from an A-1 zoning classification to an A-2 zoning classification to build a 171-foot pole Communications Tower. This request falls under Decatur County Ordinance Section Number 920 (3). The property is owned by Jeff & Lisa Deck and is located at 2545 W CR 400 S, Greensburg in Sand Creek Township. Due to the pole being below 200 feet it will not require a light at the top. The reason for the 170 feet restriction is due to the FAA restricting them to build no larger than 171 feet.
A concerned citizen spoke, identifying herself as the owner of a home adjacent to the proposed tower site. She expressed concern about potential exposure to RF frequency radiation due to her close proximity to the tower. She stated that she would prefer the tower to be located at least 500 feet from her residence. The homeowner explained that she and her three children are home throughout the day due to homeschooling, which she believes increases their potential exposure. She referenced information she had read suggesting a higher risk of cancer from prolonged exposure to radiation at such levels.
Ryan Whitley returned to the podium and provided comparisons illustrating the relative strength of radio waves that the homeowner might experience. He also noted that Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 prohibits local jurisdictions from denying an application based on health concerns. The attorney representing the APC advised that, if the board wished to review this matter further, they could table the petition and revisit it after additional research on that specific statute.
Jeff Deck commented that the property in question is rough, non-farmable, and currently landlocked. He also mentioned experiencing poor cell service in the area, noting that residents often rely on mobile hotspots for internet access.
Ryan Whitley was then asked by an APC member whether an alternate site could be used to move the tower “just a little further away.” Whitley responded, “I understand that she would like it further away. However, the code does not require us to do so. To put it plainly, thousands of dollars have already been invested in this project for testing, approvals, surveys, and geotechnical work. The developer would be extremely hesitant to relocate the tower unless required by code.”
An APC member inquired about the potential impact on nearby property values. Ryan stated that multiple studies have shown that the presence of a cell tower generally does not decrease property values for neighboring properties.
The board then discussed balancing the need for improved cell coverage with concerns about health, safety, and potential effects on surrounding property values. The board’s attorney noted that, in past cases, the board has requested adjustments to tower placement to mitigate concerns from adjacent property owners.
The vote on Petition 2025-29 was as follows: Yes – 4, No – 1.
The Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
The meeting began with the approval of the September 3rd, and October 1st meeting minutes. The board also approved the findings of facts of all petitions approved on September 3rd, and October 1st.
BZA 2025-5 – Jason Riggs (represented by Ryan Whitley) requested and received unanimous approval on a “Permanent Special Exception” from provisions of the Decatur County Zoning Ordinance Section Number Section 925(9) to install a Wireless Telecommunications Tower and a “Variance” from provisions of the Decatur County Zoning Ordinance Section 945(4) from the maximum height of 30’ to 171’ for a Wireless Telecommunications Tower. The property is owned by Jeffrey & Alisa Deck and is located at 2545 W CR 400 S, Greensburg in Sand Creek Township.
BZA 2025-6 – SD Barnes Construction Company on behalf of Stuart Barnes-Isreal, received approval for a “Special Exception” from provisions of the Decatur County Zoning Ordinance Section Number,
specifically, Section 945 to change the front setback from 70’ to 55’ to build and addition to the current residence. The property is owned by Stuart Barnes-Isreal and is located at 1417 W Park Road,
Greensburg in Washington Township.
