WARSAW — A plan to construct a $40 million bottled water facility on West Winona Avenue in Warsaw was defeated in a unanimous vote by the BZA Monday night.

The Board of Zoning Appeals heard more than two and a half hours of comments on the issue as the owners of Crystal Geyser Roxanne sought a use variance for the residential property that is significantly surrounded by wetlands and industry.

[caption id="attachment_136604" align="alignright" width="400"] Attorney Steve Snyder represented Crystal Geyser Roxanne in the zoning request. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

More than 50 people crowded into City Council Chambers and more than a dozen people spoke against the proposal, citing concerns over increased traffic and the possible impact on nearby wetlands.

An online petition collected 3,000 signatures in opposition.

The company sought to invest $40 million in the plant, which would have employed about 20 to 30 people.

Represented by attorney Steve Snyder and several others, the company laid out its case with extensive details about the depths of nearby aquifers, which cumulatively represent a massive amount of underground water that could be tapped into.

Plaintiffs argued the impact from additional traffic, involving about 40 trucks a day, would be minimal, and that the existing wetlands would not be damaged.

Aside from those representing the petitioner, nobody spoke in favor of it. 

The board considered five factors in making its decision, including whether it would be injurious to the public health and the impact on adjacent properties.

“There is no way that all five points have been met in my opinion, and I happen to think that this room full of concerned citizens also agree,” said Jama Owens. "I know that you have a job to do and I know that we want jobs here. We all want jobs here. 20 to 30 jobs that take water out of our resources."

Board member Max Maile made a motion to deny the request, and it passed 5-0, leading to a short eruption of applause.

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