Jasper Plan Commission Puts Conditions on Proposed Industrial Rezoning

The Jasper Plan Commission advanced a rezoning request with conditions limiting industrial uses to protect neighboring properties. 

The primary focus of the evening was a petition to rezone a Giesler Farm tract of approximately 38 acres, located southwest of Mill and 36 th Street, from R-2 single-family residential to I-2 heavy industrial. Brad Eckerle of Brosmer Land Surveying and Engineering appeared on behalf of petitioner/property owner Jeff Giesler and Starline Properties LLC as the prospective buyer. The purchase is contingent on the successful rezoning of the property. 

Eckerle’s proposal noted that the land is adjacent to existing I-2 zoning to the south. Industrial access would be limited to Lottes Drive, not utilizing Mill Street or 36th Street. Concept plans for warehousing with no immediate development timeline were shared, and stormwater management compliance with city ordinances was addressed. Actual development could take place within two to ten years. The comprehensive plan was referenced, noting the area’s prior designation and compatibility with industrial expansion. 

Neighboring property owner Drew Eckert filed a remonstrance against the rezoning. He cited the negative impacts on property values, concern that the zones are not well-blended, and the many permitted uses allowed under I-2 zoning. These included concerns about noisy or undesirable heavy industries such as data centers, battery storage, or solar farms. Another neighbor, Ken Gercken, voiced concerns about stormwater runoff and erosion impacting Lottes Lake. At one area of the lake by his property, Gercken reported that 12-15 feet of silt had already accumulated from the Giesler property runoff. 

Board members and staff discussed potential mitigations, including maintaining significant buffers, restricting access points, and imposing conditions on the rezoning approval. They debated whether restricting the zoning to I-1 (light industrial) or placing use restrictions on the I-2 zone would best suit the interests of both the developer and neighbors. Commission member Lisa Schmidt favored the option of considering an I-1 designation instead, saying, “Ten years ago, none of us knew what a BESS was… You know, ten years ago, we weren’t even talking about data centers. And ten years from now, what will we be faced with?” 

The Commission eventually approved a favorable recommendation to the City Council for a rezoning from R-2 to I-2, contingent on the parties agreeing to line item strikes from I-2 uses. Specific conditions would limit uses to warehousing only, maintaining the 100-foot tree line and buffer zone along adjoining residential properties, and restricting access to Lottes Drive only (with no access via Mill Street or 36th Street). The parties were given time to finalize use restrictions before the matter proceeds to City Council. 
 
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- By Drew Hasselbring