GREENFIELD, Ind. -- New zoning laws are putting a wrench in a Greenfield auto body shop's rebuilding plans after a fire destroyed its business last year.
Matt Pfieffer owns the spot on E. Main Street in Greenfield. He's been operating out of a temporary office space since tragedy struck in November. A fire destroyed the business and damaged nearby shops and a house next door.
The business, Mueller Auto Body Shop, has been in Greenfield since 1958.
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"There was a fire and it burned everything we had and we're looking to rebuild at equal," Pfieffer said. "Not less. Not more. Just equal to where we were, so we can serve the community of Greenfield, just like we have since 1958."
Pfieffer said the City of Greenfield had rezoned the land he and his family owns, and those rezoning laws have created some hurdles for an old business looking for a second chance.
"Why is there such a problem for us to just go back like we were, when everyone says they're supporting us," Pfieffer said. "I just think it makes the process does look a little daunting for no reason."
But the Planning Commission says there is a reason -- safety.
"The most important part is the health, safety and welfare of the residents next door that managed to survive a fire that was one-and-a-half feet away from the property line and four feet away from the building where people were living," said Joanie Fitzwater of the Greenfield Planning Commission. "So our job is to say, 'Hmm, we think you need to maintain that 15 feet.'"
A 15-foot buffer zone means Pfieffer would have to rebuild on a slightly smaller scale to adhere to the zoning requirements. Pfieffer said he can't do that and effectively run his business. He's trying to rally support for a Zoning Appeals Board Meeting on Thursday.
"We're just looking for our friends, our family, our customers and local business owners to show up and say, 'Hey, you have a stable business here in Greenfield -- let them rebuild."
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