Boone County’s Board of Commissioners voted Monday to deny a highly debated rezoning request by RL Turner, a respected local contractor, after months of public debate and community input. The decision, reached during the September 15 meeting, follows the recommendation of the Area Planning Commission and upholds the county’s comprehensive plan to preserve agricultural land.
RL Turner, a company with nearly five decades of service to Boone County, sought to rezone 8.75 acres on State Route 39 South from agricultural (A) to light industrial (I1) to build a new office and warehouse. Despite the company’s long-standing positive reputation and voluntary commitments to address neighbor concerns—including pledges for landscaping buffers, no exterior storage, and a 10-year moratorium on further rezoning—local opposition remained strong.
Neighbors and community members voiced worries about the loss of farmland, potential increases in traffic, and precedent-setting changes that could alter the rural character of the county. The Area Planning Commission had previously voted 5-1 against the proposal, and Monday’s meeting saw commissioners echo those concerns.
Commissioners acknowledged RL Turner’s contributions to Boone County but emphasized the importance of following the county’s comprehensive plan and respecting community sentiment. After a motion to approve the rezoning failed to receive a second, the board voted to deny the request, affirming the county’s commitment to preserving farmland and discouraging spot zoning.
The meeting also featured updates on the LEAP District. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation outlined priorities for job creation, infrastructure investment, and housing expansion, including a $750 million bond to improve utilities. Comcast representatives presented progress on rural fiber deployment, promising expanded high-speed internet access and ongoing support for low-income families.
Boone Area Transit System reported record ridership, despite challenges from vehicle recalls, and highlighted the program’s positive impact on all age groups.
Commissioners approved funding applications for three local infrastructure projects and supported community events such as the “Move with MADD” walk and National 4-H Week.
Public comments revealed lingering divisions. Some residents thanked commissioners for following the comprehensive plan, while others lamented the denial, praising RL Turner’s philanthropy and warning against misinformation on social media. One resident raised concerns about highway department standards for culvert installation, seeking resolution after a lengthy wait.