Update: May 15, 2024

This morning County Commissioners all voted in favor to approve the rezoning from Single Family Homes to Multi Family Homes.  

Update: May 1, 2024

We have two weeks until the Commissioners meet on May 15th at 9am to make their final decision whether or not to approve the rezoning to multi-family. We can still be heard! 

Please sign and share this petition. I also strongly urge you to consider calling or emailing them as that extra step can truly make a difference! 

• Gary Burton - Jackson, Harrison, Jennings, Taylor,
  Montgomery & Wayne Townships 
  812-327-1489 (Cell) / gary.burton@owencounty.in.gov
• Bob Curry - Washington, Clay, & Franklin Townships
  812-585-1345 (Cell)
  bob.curry@owencounty.in.gov
• Joel Lowe -Lafayette, Morgan, Marion &
  Jefferson Townships
  812-585-7718
  joel.lowe@owencounty.in.gov

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I am a resident of Spencer, Indiana and I am deeply concerned about the proposed rezoning of OC Development LCC (aka Four Oaks Subdivision on 545 White Oak Road) from residential single-family homes to multi-family homes. This change threatens not only my home but also our community's way of life.

The consequences will have a negative impact. Firstly, this rezoning could lead to an increase in property taxes as public services such as police and fire departments would need to expand to accommodate the surge in population, leading to higher county taxes for all residents.

Secondly, it could cause a decrease in property values due to the influx of people which inevitably leads to more noise, pollution, increased crime rates, and traffic congestion. 

It’s already going to be overcrowded in this area. The OC Planning Commission has already previously approved other housing projects in the last couple of years, as well as this current 260+ housing subdivision.  The US Census shows that Owen County's population has actually gone down since 2010. Plus, the Indiana Uplands Regional Housing Study found that only 116 new construction homes are needed in our county from now till 2030. Current developments far exceed that amount. Plus, we are running an average 15% vacancy rate. There is more than sufficient housing. 

We need to find a balance between a need for multi-family, if there truly is one, and protecting our agricultural land as well as preserve the rural character. The USDA states that food production requires a 47% increase in crop calories by 2050. Let's use that need for our advantage. Plus, even our own Owen County's 2022 Comprehensive Plan document that oversees our community key goals, states that we should 'preserve and protect agricultural land" and "preserve rural character and the County’s natural resources". 

Moreover, our environment is at risk. The construction required for these apartments/duplexes/townhomes will likely result in significant tree loss and destruction of wildlife habitats. 

There is only one entry and exit point. This will not change because there are no other options due soil is marshland or surrounding property belongs to someone else (i.e. school). This means that all that noise and traffic will be coming and going from this single entry and exit point. Traffic congestion will be inevitable with double, triple or even quadruple households. This poses a possible safety issue should there be an emergency evacuation.

This is not just about us as individuals; it's about preserving the character and integrity of our beloved community. We must stand together against this proposal that threatens our quality of life on so many levels.

We urge you all - residents of Owen County, neighboring communities, lovers of the countryside, admirers of the Hoosier state - to join us in voicing your opposition against this proposed rezoning by signing this petition today. Your voice, your signature, does make a difference in preserving the character and quality-of-life in Spencer Indiana.