Residents Oppose Agricultural Land Re-Zoning Proposal in Southern Boone County

Residents in southern Boone County have voiced their opposition to a proposal to rezone almost nine acres of agricultural land, which has sparked a debate among neighbors who want to see it preserved. The potential development, which would involve building an office building and indoor storage facility, could threaten the character of the community.

"Lebanon has exploded and I have seen a lot of farm people lose their farmland,” said Ron Ebert, whose property borders the proposed development.

Ebert, who has lived on his property in Boone County for 58 years, has witnessed significant changes in the area, including the loss of farmland among his neighbors. Many share his apprehension about the potential impact on the community's rural lifestyle.

"We've all grown up this way; this lifestyle is ingrained in us, and we are concerned about what is going to be the future of that lifestyle,” said Randy Fox, who lives near the development.

The re-zoning proposal was put forth by RL Turner Corporation, which plans to build on land currently zoned for agricultural use. One of the three county commissioners, Donnie Lawson, will make the final decision on whether to rezone the property from agricultural to light industrial.

"Sooner or later that is going to develop, and I really want it to develop under the county’s rules, not under the state or town or someone else. I am not being one-sided on this; I just want to look at the whole picture for the county for everyone,” Lawson explained.

Local residents are hopeful that the county commissioners will take their concerns into account and vote against the proposal. Allison Haley, who moved to the area from Carmel, expressed her worries about the changing landscape and fears that the development could open the door for more industrial projects in the future.

"What happened with LEAP Lebanon... deviated so many residents in this town... and people lost a lot of hope. If this precedent is set, if this exception is granted, that hope will be lost,” Haley said.

The Boone County Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the rezoning request Monday morning at 9:00 AM.