New restaurant project approved by city plan commission
Also, KPD seeking information on Aug. 12 shooting at Studebaker Park
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The Kokomo Plan Commission recently approved the development of a new restaurant on the city’s south side as well the construction of a chemical recycling facility in support of the StarPlus Energy electronic vehicle (EV) battery plant on the city’s northeast side.
Brian Croft of Civil Site Group requested final plat approval for development of the southwest corner of Lincoln and Washington streets in the Maple Crest Plaza. He explained that multiple, smaller parcels were combined to create a space large enough to develop "a new quick-serve restaurant." The board passed the measure unanimously.
After the hearing, Croft explained that development of the site is still in its early stages. A restaurant has been selected, though the deal to bring it to Kokomo has not yet been finalized. As such, the identity of the restaurant must remain confidential.
Croft said that construction on the property should take place within the next year. Since the site formerly held a gas station, the developers must have environmental studies conducted before any construction takes place in case remediation is necessary.
Final plat approval also was given to Jaewon Industrial, the South Korean recycler that plans on constructing a facility in support of the StarPlus Energy EV battery plant. The vote allows development of that property to begin.
The Jaewon development is still contingent upon the Howard County Drainage Board's approval for the re-routing of the Touby Pike drainage system serving the battery plant and associated investments, which is expected to be heard on Aug. 21.
In other board activity, the site plan for Bridgeway Church at 1401 E. Hoffer St. was approved, but not before the developer was admonished for work that already has taken place on the site without approval.
Board president Mike Besser questioned the developer why foundation footers had been laid at the site without the site plan going through the plan commission process. The developer responded that the construction contractor had moved forward independently.
Plan commission director Greg Sheline said he would reach out to the contractor, Hearn Construction.
"That should never happen," said Sheline.
The board also approved rezoning for a property at 313 E. Walnut St. to accommodate the establishment of five apartments in the building. The rezoning passed on a 7-1 vote. Jon Pyke, who oversees the city's engineering office, opposed the rezoning on grounds that the property has no dedicated parking for the five units.
KPD seeking info on Studebaker Park shooting
On Aug. 12 at approximately 2:51 a.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department responded to the area of Studebaker Park, 1030 N. Purdum St., for a report of shots fired.
As officers arrived in the area, they located a 19-year-old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to back side of her leg.
A short time later, a second victim, an 18-year-old female, arrived at Community Howard Hospital Emergency Room. This female had sustained two separate gunshot wounds; one to the right shoulder area and one on the right upper side of her back.
Detectives of the Kokomo Police Department Criminal Investigations Section were called in to assist with this investigation. The scene was processed for evidence, and several witnesses were interviewed; however, most refused to cooperate with providing details or statements.
This case remains active for investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Andrew Grammer at (765) 456-7411 or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip. Tips can also be submitted by utilizing the Tip411 app, or you can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, then your tip, and send it to 847411.
Remember, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.