Board postpones decision on Torres family request pending barn variance appeal

A contentious hearing over Fernando Torres’ request to keep horses on his Crete Township property exposed deep neighborhood divisions and allegations of improper animal care and waste disposal.

The board unanimously agreed to postpone the special use permit request until June after Chair Frankie Pretzel noted confusion about related variance appeals for barn construction that must be resolved first.

Torres currently keeps two goats and a miniature pony on his 5.7-acre property at 24948 South Stateline Road, which is permitted under R1 zoning. The special use permit would allow him to add horses to reach the five-unit maximum allowed on his property.

Family Testimony

Christina Gomez, identifying herself as part of Torres’ family, told the board the animals are intended for her special needs daughter who has Down syndrome, is blind, and has congenital heart disease.

“I have a special needs daughter,” Gomez testified. “Having her in soccer, having her in any activities that most of our other kids can have, it’s just not for her. I’ve tried other places where they charge $350 a month to go out there and just pet some horses.”

Jose Estrella, who said he has a grandson with autism, supported the request as potential therapy for his grandchild.

Neighbor Opposition

Multiple neighbors testified against the permit, led by Denise Ross from Prairie Trails subdivision and Jose Lopez, whose property is adjacent to Torres.

Ross, who lives across the state line in Indiana, presented a petition with 30 signatures opposing additional animals and raised concerns about odor, noise, and property values.

“When the wind blows to the east, I can smell the foul odor of the animal waste while I’m outside,” Ross testified. “This has affected my quality of life and also my neighbors.”

Lopez described ongoing problems with burning animal waste and disputed claims about the animals’ care: “All the burning of feces, animal feces or whatnot, it occurred behind my house.”

Care and Compliance Issues

Ross provided photographs showing what she claimed were poor animal conditions and alleged Torres has been burning manure mixed with household garbage, violating EPA regulations.

Torres acknowledged he initially bought animals without understanding permit requirements but said he has since removed roosters and other unpermitted animals. He maintains that manure is transported monthly to another property for use as fertilizer.

“When I first bought the property, I was excited, I love animals, didn’t do research,” Torres admitted. “After that other hearing, I realized I was in the wrong and I’m willing to comply just to have horses.”

The case returns to the June board meeting after the related barn variance appeals are resolved through the planning and zoning process.