Huntingburg Council approvals pave way for new housing

The Huntingburg Council has unanimously approved rezoning for the Poplar Ridge development project. The area, previously zoned as B3 (heavy commercial), is now classified as R3 (high-density residential).

The council adopted Ordinance 2025-11 following a request from landowners QOZB LLC. Representatives from the LLC, Ruger Kerstiens and Scott Steinkamp, were present at the meeting.

During the meeting, council members raised questions about drainage and retention maintenance for new developments. Officials clarified that under the city’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), developers or property owners are now responsible for maintaining drainage systems, not the city. City Attorney Phil Schneider added, “The city has the authority to step in and perform maintenance if needed, and charge the property owner for the costs.”

In addition, the council approved rezoning for a property at 7th and Van Buren Streets from R1 (low-density residential) to R2 (moderate-density residential). This change paves the way for the construction of four duplexes, creating eight new housing units.

The council also found The Wagon Works in compliance with the tax abatement terms for which the development was awarded. The compliance is reconsidered annually for the life of the abatement. Wagon Works received a ten-year abatement.