The Danville-Boyle County Planning and Zoning Commission held a special called meeting on October 2, 2024, to address several pressing community concerns and zoning matters. The meeting began with public comments, where residents voiced significant issues regarding infrastructure and safety in their neighborhoods.

Todd Boyd, a resident of Max Katniss, raised concerns about the inadequacy of the current sewer system, stating that it could not handle the existing homes, leading to unpleasant odors throughout the subdivision. He inquired about plans to upgrade the sewer system to accommodate future developments. In response, a city representative confirmed that an upgrade to the Mocks Creek pump station was in the bidding process, acknowledging the ongoing issues with the system.

Another resident, Mike Jackson, echoed Boyd's concerns about the single entrance and exit to their neighborhood, highlighting the potential dangers posed by increased traffic and the nearby railroad tracks. He emphasized the urgent need for additional access points, especially with the anticipated construction of more homes in the area. The representatives noted that future developments would consider additional access routes as required.

The discussion then shifted to street lighting, with officials clarifying that while street lighting is mandated in the city, it is not required in the county. Residents seeking street lighting would need to fund it themselves or agree to a special assessment.

As the meeting progressed, the commission addressed a request from Centre College to table three zoning-related topics for further discussion at a later date. The motion to table these items was unanimously approved, allowing for a neighborhood meeting to gather more input from local residents before proceeding.

The meeting concluded with a review of goals and objectives from a previous session, where changes were made based on community feedback. The commission emphasized the importance of regulatory adjustments to support residents' needs, particularly for aging in place.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing infrastructure challenges and the commission's commitment to addressing community concerns while planning for future developments. The next steps include further discussions on the zoning requests and continued engagement with residents to ensure their voices are heard in the planning process.