BZA approval for duplex at East Walnut Street site

With housing at a premium in Greencastle these days, Todd Sutherlin is turning a site that previously housed six members of the DePauw University athletic staff into a two-family, duplex dwelling.

But little did he know that before he could finish his remodeling or even get a special exception variance from the Greencastle Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), Sutherlin would already have a move-in.

He shared the story with the BZA that after he purchased from the university the building at 307 E. Walnut St., the largest residential structure on the block, one of his workmen called and said there had been a break-in.

What Sutherlin discovered when he arrived at the site to the rear of Myers’ Market was that a female squatter had broken in and set up camp -- literally -- in the living room, erecting a tent and creating a comfy enough environment to even be doing her laundry in five-gallon buckets.

Long story short, police were called, the woman was arrested and charged with trespassing and Sutherlin’s project progressed to the point he was ready to appear at the August meeting of the BZA.

Sutherlin’s request before the BZA was for a special exception to allow a two-family dwelling in a traditional neighborhood.

When DePauw owned it, reportedly since the 1970s, there were multiple people and multiple cars coming in and out all the time, it was noted. Turning it into a duplex with parking for four vehicles in back was seen as a neighborhood improvement by BZA members.

In fact, the only public comment on the matter came via a letter from Don and Kay Weaver, who reside in the nearby old high school/junior high property that was converted into condos several years ago.

“Todd’s idea is a good one for our neighborhood,” the Weavers wrote.

City Planner Scott Zimmerman noted that while only two parking spaces were currently available behind the structure, there is available room there for at least four spaces on the graveled site of the former garage. Off-street parking requirements for the site are two per residence or four overall, Zimmerman noted.

Board member Andrew Ranck made the motion to approve the special exception with the provision that Sutherlin provide four off-street parking spaces. It was approved unanimously with additional affirmative votes from Paul Champion, Jon Clark and BZA Chairman Doug Wokoun.

In the evening’s only other business, Ranck announced he “would like to make this my last meeting,” officially resigning from the board, pending his move to Indianapolis.

“I’ll still be here but not living here,” Ranck said, noting he’s spent six years on the BZA.

The position, which is a mayoral appointment, requires city residency.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Greencastle BZA is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 at City Hall.