By Rupert Howell
Planning Commissioners for the City of Batesville approved site and building design for Batesville Rehabilitation’s proposed new facility and issued a temporary conditional use permit for Keith Cole’s proposed congregational/recreational center at 203 Vance Street.

Representing Batesville Rehab along with owners Niles Norris and Joel Montgomery was Architect Edye M. Conkerton who explained the proposed building’s design, to be located on Lakewood Drive at Broome Ridge Road.

Norris explained the proposed construction would house their facility as well as two rental spaces for professional office type tenants.

He explained the business has doubled in size after their first of seven years at their current location in the Fred’s Shopping Center on Highway 6 east.

Cole explained that his request for a congregational/recreation facility on Vance Street would help him, “Get to young children before gangs get to them.

“I come from a gang background,” Cole admitted and said he currently had 43 members in his congregation, “Most all young kids.”

When questioned about hours of operation, Cole admitted that he would also need the facility at night to offer tutoring and services for those older kids who needed help.

“This is about a second chance,” he said, adding  drop-outs and those who had made some poor decisions would be among those served.

“I am trying to dedicate my life to this,” Cole explained.

Showing a little hesitance to grant approval of a Conditional Use Permit, commissioners added the condition of a six-month trial for the proposed center when Cole would again appear before commissioners for an extended permit.

Another item not included on the agenda for Monday’s meeting concerned repair to siding of an existing building.

Planning Commission Office Administrator Pam Comer explained that current policy as read allows a building’s addition to use the same siding as the existing portion, but the building’s repair requires siding to be replaced under new standards.

Commissioners discussed grandfathering existing buildings and other changes but ultimately decided to “think about” the issue until the next meeting before deciding what to do.

“It’s (the issue) is going to come back up,” said Commissioner Dave Billingsley.

“I’ll call a special meeting if the owner needs an answer before next month,” Commission Chairman Dr. Richard Corson told the board.