Planning commission tries to avoid harsh terminology

helbyville's planning commission will take time over the next three months to review design guidelines, with members debating how to word the document without driving new business away.

Planning and codes director Kip Green told the commission that the 18 pages of guidelines are only recommendations to firms and individuals submitting site plans to the city.

The commission will review six pages a month and, after they are passed, the commission will also act as a Design Review Commission, and will give feedback to builders on site plans and take a more active role in the process.

The design guidelines will give builders an idea of what is expected or favored by the city. Commission members will also look over how the proposed guidelines are currently written and over the next several meetings, will make adjustments.

Several members expressed concern about how the guidelines were to be worded, pointing out that the difference between "should" and "will" can be a big issue with some who might want to build here.

Commission chairman Morton Renegar commented that when out-of-town companies open a business in Shelbyville, the property is landscaped, but he said he has not noticed that happening with local businesses.

One commission member stated that locals do not landscape their businesses so they would not have to continue to maintain it.

Members also agreed that the guidelines should not have too many restrictions, but at the same time, should encourage more green space.

Commission member Al Stephenson said he thought the guidelines were a good idea, but cautioned that the city also "doesn't want to chase people away."

In other business, the commission approved a site plan amendment for Sanford Distribution Center on Railroad Avenue. Green told the commission there were eight revisions in the plan, mostly dealing with grading and drainage issues and the removal of a parking lot from the plan.

The commission also welcomed new member Lola Hiton, who was appointed by mayor Wallace Cartwright earlier this month.