The board unanimously denied the conditional use permit sought by Josette Allen. She and husband David Allen wanted to operate a 250-lot campground on a portion of 190 acres in Union and Newton townships.
A similar request was denied by the board a year ago. The Allens could appeal the decision to Miami County Common Pleas Court.
The property has been proposed for other controversial developments in the past including condominiums and a golf course. The Allens have owned the property that totals 296 acres since 1988.
Board Chairman Mark Williams said the proposal met most of the criteria the board is required to consider when reviewing conditional use zoning applications.
“In my mind, it comes back to … ‘Is it going to be harmonious with the area?’ In assessing everything, it is hard for me to see how it is harmonious,” he said.
Williams said he understood neighbors didn’t want to see the area change but said both property owners should be able to use their land in a way desired up to their property lines. The determining factor was when the effects of a use crosses those property lines. He used noise as an example.
Attorney Robert Huffman Jr., representing the Allens, said they were willing to add trees to help buffer noise from the campground to nearby properties and a perimeter fence to catch and contain trash.
Camp rules for the proposed camp included quiet time from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. along with plans for evacuation, fire protection, utilities and an emergency exit. Generators would be prohibited. The Allens “will be a good neighbor,” Huffman said.
Residents of the Horseshoe Bend Road area near the Stillwater River and the proposed campground asked the board to deny the request at a meeting Thursday night.
More than 60 people attended and two dozen residents testified before the appeals board during a three-hour hearing.
The property owners expressed several concerns including increased traffic, safety on a narrow and curvy road, noise and interference with area wildlife. The Allens said they planned to contract with nearby West Milton for emergency services.
“It is going to destroy the natural beauty of what we have there,” Timothy Johnson, a nearby resident said.
“I think you are opening the door to something that could cause us numerous problems, and destroy our way of life,” said Sandy Netzley, another resident.
Attorney Rob Harrelson, representing the neighbors, gave the board petitions signed by about 60 people, including 50 property owners, opposing the project. Harrelson also provided a letter from the nature center opposing the campground. “I think it is telling that every neighbor is opposed to this project,” he said.
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