Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Council okays townhomes in Tamarack Plaza PUD

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By KEVIN NEVERS

The Tamarack Plaza planned unit development, off Rail Road just east of 100E, never really emerged as a commercial location, since being developed in 2001.

It may now, however, become a hopping residential site, with easy access to 1100N, the Chesterton Downtown, and Coffee Creek Center.

At its meeting Monday night, the Chesterton Town Council voted 5-0 to approve on first reading an amendment to the PUD ordinance governing Tamarack Plaza, 5-0 to suspend the rules, then 5-0 to approve the amendment on final reading.

That amendment permits the construction of four four-unit townhomes, in place of commercial buildings.

Since the original PUD was approved in 2001, only one commercial building was ever constructed at Tamarack Plaza and developer Paul Shinn is hopeful that residential will be more marketable at the location.

At a public hearing before the Advisory Plan Commission in February, some neighbors did object to a concentration of rental units in that area. Planners unanimously endorsed the amendment, though, and no one spoke against it at Monday’s meeting.

Fireworks Extravaganza

In other business, members voted 5-0 to approve the Duneland Chamber of Commerce’s request for a contribution of $2,500 in funds and in-kind services from the Police and Fire departments, for this year’s edition of the Independence Day fireworks extravaganza at Indiana Dunes State Park.

Labor Law Consultation

Members also voted 5-0 to authorize Town Attorney Chuck Lukmann to consult with Ogletree Deakins, a law firm specializing in labor and employment.

Lukmann noted that several issues have arisen related to the unionization of the Police Department by Teamsters Local 142.

“From time to time, I may wish to consult with Ogletree Deakins,” Lukmann said.

From the CFD

Meanwhile, Fire Chief Mike Orlich reported that the ladder truck is finally back in service.

Orlich also announced the award by Enbridge Inc. of a $1,250 grant for foam and foam training.

Produce Stand

Members voted 5-0 to renew the town’s contract with River Bottom Produce to sell fruits and vegetables at its stand this summer across the street from the police and fire station at Broadway and Eighth Street.

Remembering

Frank Sessa

The council opened the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of former Town Council member Frank Sessa, who died March 29 at age 72.

Sessa “devoted much of his life to the betterment of this town,” remembered Member Jim Ton, R-1st.

 

 

Posted 4/15/2014

 
 
 
 

 

 

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