By Rupert Howell
Batesville planning commissioners were showered with flowers at their May monthly meeting as Indu Vaghala approached the group seeking variances for building height and sidewalks for his next lodging project, a Home2 Suites hotel on Covenant Drive.

Vaghala asked commissioners to allow an exception that would allow him to build a 40’ hotel so that four stories could be included and also asked that he not be required to build sidewalks until adjacent property was developed or for three years, whichever comes first.

Vaghala has been associated with several of the local lodging establishments with the current project being proposed under the name of SVD Hospitality, Inc.

Commissioners approved both variances as they had with Vaghala’s last Batesville project, Comfort Suites, located adjacent to the proposed project.

“We’re not use to receiving gifts,” commissioners stated as Vaghala passed bouquets around the table.

Fire Chief Tim Taylor told commissioners that the 5’ variance from 35 to 40’,  would not be a problem for firefighters while noting the building would be equipped throughout with a sprinkler system.

Home2 Suites is relatively new Hilton property directed to the extended stay segment of the market.

Merit Health Batesville (formerly Tri-Lakes Medical Center) CEO Travis Sisson accompanied by Administrative Assistant Vince Brummett explained their request to replace existing signs at the medical facility with the new name and logo.

The sign changes are occurring across the state as the former Community Health Systems, which owns multiple medical facilities across the state, changes their brand.

Sisson and Brummett also requested a new monument sign in front of the medical arts building located on Medical Center Drive next to the hospital.

Dr. Walter T. Hudson received the commission’s approval to subdivide property owned by him on Tubbs Road. That recommendation will now go before the Batesville Board of mayor and aldermen for a public hearing.

Hudson ultimately plans to put duplex housing on the property he revealed but must first have the large lot subdivided before getting approval of final plans.

Fire Chief Tim Taylor was questioned about the proposed location and stated fire apparatus would have no undue hardship in case of fire with the proposed subdivision.

O.B. Bacon appeared before commissioners with a painted block representing the color he wished to paint the block wall at Waffle House. Commissioners approved the request and learned the blocks are currently unpainted.

Jerry Seratt also received approval for a new monument sign, landscaping and new vinyl siding at Meadowview Apartments on MLK Drive.

An error on diagrams missed by officials caused commissioners to okay moving the placement of 13 trees originally planned from the front of the new Guaranty Bank building to the backside.
Existing plans had the trees on MDOT right-of-way.