Extension office takes next step

The local Purdue Extension office plans to move into a new building this fall after a rezoning request was approved by the Columbus Plan Commission.

Rick Trimpe, director of maintenance for Bartholomew County, appeared on behalf of the Bartholomew County Commissioners as part of a request to rezone 1.72 acres from heavy industrial to light industrial at 785 S. Marr Road. County officials purchased the two buildings at the location last year from Premier Ag-Co-op for $700,000, paid with monies from its Telecommunications Fund.

Premier Ag had announced a merger with Jackson-Jennings Co-op in February and had indicated it would be moving operations to Seymour this summer. The Plan Commission gave a favorable recommendation to Columbus City Council to rezone the property in a 10-0 vote.

The light industrial designation could be used for a company operating an assembly line, but also allows for some commercial and office space use such as what Bartholomew County is planning, said Jeff Bergman, city-county planning director.

Trimpe said the local Purdue Extension office, currently located at 965 Repp Drive, plans to occupy the building by mid-October. Other county offices also could moved to the site, he said.

City Council members will consider the rezoning request during its 6 p.m. meeting Sept. 5 at Columbus City Hall.