A rezoning issue needed a supermajority from the Mercer County Board, but received only a 5-3 vote Tuesday. The issue involved Mercer County Motorsports and an application filed by Bieri Properties. Mercer County State’s Attorney Grace Simpson says there is a reason the supermajority vote was needed for the change.
The property is located west of Matherville and neighbor Maureen Conway of Preemption Township was among a group opposed to the rezoning.
Those voting in favor of the rezoning were Becky Hawn, Gary Anderson, Chris DeFrieze, Gary Gregg and Tim Arbet. Those voting no were Bob Flowers, Kirby McLaughlin, and Linda Koepke. Steve Moreland abstained. Josh Frieden was absent.
The attorney for Bieri Properties declined comment following the meeting.
Last month, Preemption Township voters turned down a non-binding referendum for side-by-side usage on township roads by a vote of 236 to 135.