The planning commission voted to recommend rezoning 4151 West National Drive from RS (single‑family suburban) to R3 (multifamily residential) to allow rehabilitation and reuse of a fire‑damaged apartment building, the body heard at its meeting in Terre Haute. The commission’s favorable recommendation passed on a voice vote.
The change matters because the property lost legal nonconforming status after fire damage and has been vacant for more than 18 months; the rezoning would allow the owner to pursue repairs and reoccupancy as a multifamily site. Commissioners and staff noted that additional approvals are required before tenants may return.
Staff said the site historically operated as long‑term efficiency apartments and that sanitary sewer is not available on that side of West National Drive. The property currently has eight parking spaces; staff calculated that the multifamily parking standard requires two spaces per dwelling unit for the first 50 units and 1.75 spaces for each unit over 50, and that “8 more paved parking spots will be needed along with 1 ADA spot.” The staff recommendation was conditional on site‑plan approval and required Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approvals for setbacks and any needed variances.
Neighbors spoke at length in opposition. James Gosnell, an adjacent resident, said the property had been “effectively being a multifamily” and described repeated problems when rentals were occupied: “The renters were continuously breaking laws, trash trashing adjacent properties, and the property was not up to code.” Other neighbors described recurring police and fire responses and said the building had been a neighborhood nuisance.
Representatives for the property told the commission they plan extensive renovations and new management. Kelsey Hankwitz, who identified herself as “an attorney with Wright Shaggy and Larry,” said she could answer questions for the petitioner. Ali Ambari, who said he is part of A to Z Rentals, told the commission, “Our idea was to fix it up. We bought this as part of a package … our goal is to fix it up and make it nice,” and added, “we're not gonna run it as a flop house.”
Commissioners and staff emphasized process limits: a planning commission recommendation to rezone does not by itself allow reoccupation. One commissioner reminded the room that the county commissioners make final rezoning decisions and that the owner must obtain building permits, certificates of occupancy and health‑department approvals (including any septic or sewer work) before reentering tenants. Commissioners also noted that BZA approval would be required for a west‑side yard setback variance (minimum 15 feet) and that the site‑plan review will address parking and utilities.
The commission approved the recommendation by voice vote. Outcome: favorable recommendation to the county commissioners; site plan, BZA approvals and building‑permit review remain required before any occupancy.