By PAULENE POPARAD

Mayberry with sewers.

That’s how one resident described Burns Harbor for its small-town atmosphere despite having heavy industry scattered throughout the community and major highways cutting off access from one area to another.

But that’s today. Seven consultants from Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. led groups of residents Thursday in evaluating how Burns Harbor’s changed in the last decade, why, and how it can change for the better in the future.

The exercise continues today from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Westport Community Club where residents can join SEH consultants and members of a town steering committee to review existing conditions, discuss future land use and at 5 p.m. hear a presentation on the preliminary findings so far.

The goal is to draft a new comprehensive plan, followed by a new zoning ordinance, all by June 30 under the guidelines of a $100,000 grant financing the project.

According to Mike Darrow of SEH, a comprehensive plan is a view of a community from 30,000 feet laying out in broad strokes preferred areas for residential, commercial and open space. A zoning ordinance is a view from the ground level --- standards and regulations put in place to ensure a town will look inviting, function efficiently and prosper.

Without a way to implement the town’s new goals, said Darrow, a comprehensive plan will remain just words on paper.

“You are the experts. You need to tell us what the issues are before we presume what the issues are,” Darrow told the audience. Rather than focus on the problems at hand, “The mantra of this (project) is problem solutions.”

The final comprehensive plan adopted by the Town Council will impact residents, business owners, thousands of motorists who pass through Burns Harbor daily and even tourists who might use a hike/bike trail system and boutique shops in stylish new retail buildings suggested by some in a possible town center.

One giant map on display already identified a new town hall along U.S. 20, but some residents like Gayle Van Loon said a new building isn’t needed at all. Phyllis Constantine questioned whether the town needs more housing; more than 500 lots have been platted in the last six years with many of the homes yet to be built.

Some participants stressed the need for more jobs to diversify the town’s dependence on ArcelorMittal steel as the largest taxpayer. Jeff Freeze asked if there were a way for Burns Harbor to find its niche with broadband/fiberoptic expansion to make it more technology friendly. “Is that the way to distinguish ourselves?”

Said Darrow, summarizing one group’s concerns over steel’s future, “If that industry folds, the fear is the town folds.” Residents in the group identified a large vacant site with a rail spur and a large tract already zoned as a business park as potential selling points to attract companies.

Repeatedly cited as a Burns Harbor asset was its small-town feel where family values are important. Said Marsha Watkins of her experience, “Even if your opinion isn’t accepted, you’re listened to,” she told the group.

Others said the town’s location, including its proximity to Chicago, interstate highways and the South Shore commuter railroad; low taxes; the Little Calumet River; good schools; and an undeveloped portion of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore that spans Burns Harbor are all assets. A negative listed by nearly all was the increase in traffic, especially semi-trucks, over the past decade.

The need for connectivity between emerging neighborhoods and easy access to desired retail areas was identified. Freeze said it would be nice to get around town without having to get in a car. A four-year resident, he said, “Although it’s a small five square miles, it’s a great place to be” and a town center would make it even better.

First cleaning up what we already have should be a priority, said Constantine, especially along U.S. 20 and Indiana 149. “We want it to be presentable and proud of it.”

Donna Meeks, like several others, said the eyesore of the abandoned Standard Plaza former truck stop needs to be addressed. But Tammy Pliske said, “My back yard butts up to this. I have a big concern what goes in there.” Bob Kost of SEH said professional offices used by day would be a compatible neighbor because there would be no activity at night. 

With all the talk of changing land use, Meeks asked at one point, “Is there anything wrong with leaving property alone?” Kost replied, “Not at all. We can leave it as it is.” Kost then asked what people felt would be different about Burns Harbor in 10 years. “It depends what we do here,” said Meeks of the planning process.

Posted 1/23/2009