At the March 22, 2018 meeting of the Bethel Township Zoning Commission, the commissioners voted three to two to recommend to the Bethel Township Trustees, the rezoning of 2.001 of a 27.838-acre parcel for A-2 General Agriculture to B-2 Office/Residential. Randall and Amy Perkins at 5370 SR 571 made the request to allow for the establishment of a pre-school in the building previously used as the Hidden Lake Golf Course Pro Shop.

According to the Perkins, the pre-school would feature nature-based learning. The hours of operation are projected to be from 8:00 a.m. to 11;30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The target audience is for pre-K students.

Several neighbors expressed their concerns. Angela Bedwell who lives across the street, expressed her concerns about property values decreasing because of the establishment of the pre-school.

Susan Flanders expressed her concerns. She said, “I have concerns about increased traffic, and decreased property values. With the pre-schools available in New Carlisle and Tipp City, I don’t see any reason to put in a pre-school there.”

After much discussion, the commission voted to recommend the rezoning to the Trustees. No date has been set for a public hearing on the case.

The next meeting of the Bethel Township Zoning Commission is scheduled for April 26, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bethel Township Meeting Room.