Mayor Wood Vetoes Casey's General Store Rezoning to Protect Community Resources

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MISHAWAKA, Ind. — In a decisive move to safeguard Mishawaka's environmental and public health interests, Mayor David Wood has vetoed the rezoning proposal for Casey's General Store at the southeast corner of Douglas and Fir Roads. This marks only the third veto in Wood's 14-year tenure, underscoring the significance of this issue.

In a letter addressed to the Mishawaka Common Council, Mayor Wood emphasized the critical need to protect the newly constructed Juday Creek Wellfield. "While I understand the potential economic benefits of the project, I firmly believe that this decision does not align with our city’s long-term priorities for responsible growth and development," Wood stated.

Mayor Wood outlined five primary reasons for his veto:

1. Public Health and Safety: The proximity of the proposed gas station to the Juday Creek Water Treatment Center and Wellfield raises significant concerns about potential contamination.
2. Environmental Protection: Historical issues with contamination from local gas stations have posed serious risks to wellfields, and this project could exacerbate those threats.
3. Responsible Growth: The city's commitment to sustainable and thoughtful development is at odds with the potential hazards this project presents.
4. Support from Experts: Mishawaka’s professional planners, engineers, and utility managers have all advised against the rezoning due to the risks involved.
5. Precedent of Caution: The Family Express at Douglas and Fir Roads, approved before the city developed the wellfield, serves as a cautionary tale of the risks of such proximity to crucial water resources.

Mayor Wood concluded, "Why would we knowingly approve a project to further add more risk within the one-year time of travel for contamination to our water supply?"

This veto reflects the administration’s dedication to preserving Mishawaka’s environmental integrity and ensuring the health and safety of its residents.