By Lisa Carolin
Cobblestone Farm did not receive approval on its preliminary site plan at the Lima Township Planning Commission Feb. 22 meeting via Zoom. Instead, the planning commission requested that the applicant make a more complete site plan than the existing one.
Planning commission members agreed there were still too many issues to be determined before they’d be ready to approve the site plan. Issues include how exactly the existing barn will be used and for how long, more details on floor plan drawings, more details about a walkway and the lighting that will be used, and questions about signage in front of the proposed club house.
Applicants Jim and Darlyn Daratony, who own the property formerly known as Reddeman Farms, provided the planning commission with a plan for a new barn, which they hope to start in April or May as well as drawings of a club house.
During public comment, several people voiced support for the Darratonys work in horsemanship including a longtime employee and several neighbors who support using the property for equestrian-related activities.
The planning commission told the applicant that it will want to do a review at the end of the 2021 season and continue to do annual reviews as part of the special use permit that the applicant has already received for the purpose of reviewing maintenance of the property.
In new business, the Lima Township Planning Commission did approve recommending to the township board an application by Kern Auto Sales & Service to amend the zoning ordinance to use the location at 12671 Old US-12 for the sale of used cars as well as car repair.
A public hearing was held, and no one expressed concerns about the rezoning proposal. The property is currently zoned as general commercial, which prohibits the sale of used cars and other motorized vehicles.
The proposed site is an acre-and-a-half, and located close to I-94.
