County Plan Commission blocks planned QuikTrip at Ind. 13 and Interstate-69

Apr. 9—ANDERSON — The Madison County Plan Commission has voted unanimously on an unfavorable recommendation for a planned truck stop at the Lapel exit.

The Plan Commission Tuesday voted to make the unfavorable recommendation to the Madison County Commissioners on rezoning property on Ind. 13 at Interstate-69 for a proposed QuikTrip travel center.

Larry Strange, executive director of the Madison County Planning Department, read two letters in opposition to the rezoning from general commercial to highway commercial for a truck stop.

The letters said Carefree Drive, which leads into a housing development, is not built for truck traffic.

A letter was submitted by Giant Eagle, which operates the GetGo convenience store at the intersection, concerning traffic congestion and safety issues.

QuikTrip was planning to construct a 8,296 square foot building with 16 gasoline pumps and five diesel fuel pumps that would employ between 20 and 30 people.

"It's not a good fit at this time," Strange said of the rezoning request.

County Engineer Jessica Bastin said the intersection was one of the most dangerous in the county with 76 traffic accidents from 2018 through 2023.

"My concern is not with QuikTrip," she said. "It would be an asset to the county, but it would be a burden on the area. Rezoning would not be beneficial to the area."

Bastin noted that another truck stop is currently under construction on the north side of Interstate-69.

Gwen Kea, representing QuikTrip, said the company was willing to address the concerns.

"We look to be a part of the community, but it has to be the right location," she said.

Kea said the former Pilot location was not available to QuikTrip.

She said the concerns being raised only deal with the current conditions at the interstate exit, and the company was planning to spend $1 million on improvements to Carefree Drive.

"We're asking for the rezoning to have a seat at the table during discussions," Kea said. "We would still have to provide a site development plan and get the necessary permits."

Green Township Trustee Greg Valentine said the town of Ingalls is planning more housing developments in the area.

"This doesn't make sense," he said. "There is only one way to get emergency equipment into the housing development."

Plan Commission member Lindsay Brown made the motion to make the unfavorable recommendation based on the current conditions and the safety of area residents.

He said QuikTrip would be a great addition to the county, but there is safety concerns.

"This is not in the right location for the residents," commission member Denise Spooner said. "This won't bring responsible growth."

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.