The Adams County Commissioners have delayed a decision regarding a zoning change for a proposed large housing development northwest of Decatur.
Picture: Shown is the plot of land in question, which saddles Winchester Road just north of 900 N.
Developers want to build the Holly Ridge Estates on a 145.9 acre plot near County Road 900 North & Winchester Road, but area farmers have objected. The county Plan Commission voted to forward the change in zoning needed by developers to the commissioners, but without a recommendation.
Commissioners President Stan Stoppenhagen told WZBD’s Ed Thurman that the commissioners also don’t feel comfortable at this point of making such a decision.
The commissioners do agree that additional housing in needed in Adams County, but said such a major development like Holly Ridge may need further work before they can give it final approval.
“I’m not sure why we have a comprehensive plan,” said one farmer present after the meeting concluded, “if all we are going to do is give away farm ground each time there is a request.”
According to public tax records, the property was once a family farm owned by the Holle family, but was purchased KESL Farms LLC in 2018 for just over one million dollars. KESL Farms LLC has a mailing address of 112 E 1000 N, the same address as Fleming Excavating.
The commissioners have 90 days to decide.
