The City of Greensburg Plan Commission met on April 2, 2024.
Two Public Hearings were held for the following items:
Rezoning of property from a “B-2” General Business District to a “B-1” Central Business District at 218 S. East St.
Sarah Hamer, Building Commissioner stated that this should have been taken care of in 2020 during the rezone. Being a B-1 is more conducive to the business that is being operated. Karen Bultman did ask if changing the zoning would allow the property to be of a different use. Kevin Fleetwood, President stated that once the re-zone is approved any business activity that would fall under a B-1 would be allowed.
Amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Sarah Hamer, Building Commissioner stated this amendment would be cleaning up the document to include changes that are more unified with the area and the requirements. She said that these are mostly minor changes.
Shawn Green, Owner of Green Signs stated that on December 29, 2023, he was notified that a new sign ordinance would be going into effect on January 1, 2024. He stated that his company works mostly with businesses in the Tri-State area. He said he was on the team to craft the original sign ordinance. Upon reviewing this document he states that he immediately found inconsistencies, missing industry information, aggressive wall sign restrictions, “a quick copy & past job”, missing definitions, banning certain signs, limiting the right to free speech, safety concerns, and the implementation of massive setbacks adding 14 feet from the road for signs. Shawn said, “If this UDO is approved there will undoubtedly be an increase in variance requests resulting in further costs to businesses and additional time for all involved.” He said that he had been in contact with the mayor and Sarah Hamer. Kevin Fleetwood announced that he had reached his three-minute limit. Mr. Green stated that he was told that he would have six minutes. Kevin said he had just stated there would be a three-minute limit for public comment. Kevin Fleetwood then stated, “You spent two minutes giving history.” Mr. Green continued to provide additional information and asked why he is being shut down. He motioned to Commission President Kevin Fleetwood and said that he refused to speak with him. Mr. Fleetwood stated, “I told you I was not going to discuss this outside of an open meeting.” Shawn continued to provide information as to why he is against these edits. Sarah Hamer approached the podium and stated, “I’m going to speak now so if you want to have a seat.” Mr. Green continued to ask questions and asked the commission why they are utilizing consultants from outside the city when we have great people here. Mr. Green ended his statement by saying “I thought the government was to work for the people, and not against the people.” Sarah Hamer stated that she shared all information that Mr. Green had provided with the consultants and pointed out that several edits that have been marked for update were from Mr. Green.
The public hearings were ended and the regular meeting began with roll call. The Plan Commission approved the February 6 meeting minutes and the February 12, 2024 Special Meeting minutes.
The Commission voted to send the rezoning of property from a “B-2” General Business District to a “B-1” Central Business District at 218 S. East St request to the City of Greensburg Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Commission voted to send the amendments to the Unified Developmental Ordinance (UDO) to the City of Greensburg Council with a favorable recommendation.
The meeting was adjourned.