A proposed festival site in Brown County is no longer moving forward.
At its public meeting Wednesday, the Brown County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4-1 to deny landowner Jimmy Tilton’s petition to develop nearly 86 acres of farmland located to the south and west of 279 West Main Street in Nashville into a festival site.
Several board members said Tilton’s plan lacked detailed plans for the site, and without those details, they could not accurately judge how the festival site may affect nearby property owners.
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Board members John Dillberger, Darla Brown, Jane Gore, and Randy Jones voted to deny the festival site portion of the petition. Board member Andy Volis voted against denying the petition.
Tilton withdrew the RV campsite portion of his petition, citing lack of public support.
“I’ve come to realize that sometimes the best path forward is to let go of an idea even if we believe we’re right,” said Tilton.
Prior to Tilton’s petition withdrawal, the board noted a local ordinance on floodplain districts do not allow RVs/travel trailer parks without special exceptions. The board said Tilton would need updated flood maps from FEMA and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to get an accurate description of what can be placed on the farmland.
Tilton said he wants the community’s help to improve his plan and make it acceptable for everyone.
“Let’s keep the dialogue going and build a brighter future for Brown County one step at a time,” he said.
Tilton can submit a new petition in late February, which would be ready for the board’s March meeting.