Ferdinand Plan Commission Signs Off On Family Farm Split and Fleig’s Mural

A family farm division and a community mural are moving forward with approval from the Ferdinand Plan Commission. At this week’s meeting, the Commission considered requests for a family farm exemption, the addition of a community mural, and potential solutions for infrastructure development. The Commission voted to retain the same officers for 2026, with Brett Schipp as President, Mark Dilger as Vice President, and Kyle Lechner as Secretary. 

The Commission heard a request from Stephen and Linda Schweope to split their 12.87-acre property along 23rd Street into two parcels of approximately 6.5 acres each. Under the town’s family farm exemption ordinance, the land would be transferred to the couple’s two children. Surveyor Ethan Hopf of Trimark Surveying presented the proposal. One parcel will be accessed from 23rd Street. The other will be reached via Kentucky Street, which exists as an easement but has never been formally platted as a public road. Existing driveways and easements would remain in place. 

Commission members discussed long-term implications of the split, noting that while the parcels are exempt from planning requirements now, any future development would still require review and approval by the Plan Commission. Hopf confirmed that the land meets ordinance requirements and that future subdivision or development would require re-platting. Following discussion, the commission voted unanimously to grant the exemption as presented. 

Next, the Alexianna Mundy of Traditional Arts requested a sign permit for a large-scale mural on the side of Fleig’s Café. Mundy described the work as a community-led project, with Traditional Arts Today acting as the organizer and steward. The mural will celebrate Ferdinand’s people, landmarks, and history. The design includes a “seek-and-find” element intended to engage both residents and visitors. 

Mundy said the organization has coordinated with the Ferdinand Historical Society to ensure historical accuracy and has established maintenance and upkeep plans. A five-year façade easement agreement with the property owner will allow for repairs and restoration, with the artist providing four touch-up visits during that period at no additional cost. 

Funding for the mural will come from a combination of grants and community fundraising, with no financial support requested from the town. Commission members praised the design and planning, noting the lack of commercial advertising and agreeing the mural qualifies as public art rather than signage. The request was approved unanimously. 

In other business, the Commission reviewed a draft framework to address undeveloped or partially developed streets that appear on town maps but were never formally constructed. The discussion focused on creating a consistent process for property owners seeking street improvements, including cost-sharing models and long-term budgeting considerations. No formal action was taken, but staff will continue refining the proposal for future consideration by both the Plan Commission and Town Council. 
 
For more information on these and other updates, visit www.ferdinandindiana.org 

 - Drew Hasselbring