SHARPSVILLE — The expansion of a business in Tipton County that will bring 75 new jobs and continuing economic development along U.S. 31 has a few area residents concerned.
Functional Devices has entered a memorandum of understanding with Tipton County commissioners, agreeing to purchase three parcels of land directly to the south of its current facility and construct a new $750,000 warehouse as a part of the project.
“We were looking for a place to continue to grow our company and Tipton County was the perfect location for us,” Functional Devices Chairman Ken Rittmann said in a press release.
Since expanding from Russiaville two years ago, the business has operated between 550 and 600 North. The acquired land is located on the northbound side of U.S. 31 on the former site of the Dirt and Turf Inc. building.
The commissioners support Functional Devices’ expansion, but admitted some work still needs to be done as the business plans its expansion.
Resident Ron Owsley expressed concern during Monday’s commissioners meeting that buffers surrounding Functional Devices’ property had not yet been implemented.
Owsley said truck traffic generated by Functional Devices has been an issue for some of the 53 homeowners in the Prairie Acres subdivision, located directly to the east.
With the business’ plans to expand, Owsley said he and other residents of Prairie Acres are hoping buffers will reduce truck traffic and provide separation for the property owners.
“It can be done with a buffer area,” Owsley said of remedying the traffic issue, “if we can get the traffic moved away from that area. If they want to expand the business, for the good of the people of Prairie Acres and the county, let them pony up the money to do what’s necessary to protect the people in the subdivision.”
Tipton County Plan Director Kevin Tolloty said Functional Devices submitted buffering plans for two lots with access from Lee Drive located to the south and east after it switched its zoning from business to industrial.