The Chesterton Advisory Plan Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation
to locate an environmentally friendly dry cleaners in the Galleria Mall, and
owner Louis Vasconi will be seeking a final green light from the Town
Council on July 26.
The approval would be in the form of an amendment to the 1999 ordinance
governing the mall’s original development that barred on-site dry cleaning
plants. The mall’s current owner is EVAM, LLC.
Vasconi said he will be making an approximately $340,000 investment and
hopes to open around mid-August in a now-vacant site adjacent to El Salto
restaurant. Starting with about three part-time employees, he eventually
wants to have twice that number.
Three speakers during a Plan Commission public hearing Thursday praised
Vasconi and supported his proposal; there were no remonstrators among the 12
people in the audience.
Marie Kirchner said, “If anybody can make a business successful, it’s Louis
Vasconi.” John Kraulis echoed those comments and Cynthia Krafft said Vasconi
has helped the community by being involved in school and service projects.
Vasconi said he chose the Galleria site because of its proximity to the
high-traffic Jewel/Osco and other businesses in the area, and the location
east of Indiana 49 would make it easy for out-of-town customers to stop by.
His hours of operation would be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4
p.m. on Saturday.
Commission member Jeff Ton asked if the dry-cleaning business would create
noise for its neighbors. Jim DuBach of Nuvo Cleaners described the process
as state-of-the-art and said conversations can take place at a normal level
when the cleaning equipment is operating. DuBach said they’ve installed 300
of the machines in the last 10 years with no problems.
Vasconi said the dry-cleaning solvent used is 100% biodegradable with no
odor, and the wet wash machine will use biodegradable soap. Vasconi’s
attorney, Greg Babcock, agreed to six conditions if approval is granted
dealing with the use, storage and operation of the materials involved.
Commission and Town Council member Emerson DeLaney based his motion for
favorable recommendation on the number of character witnesses present and
because questions posed by town department heads were addressed and
answered. Vote was 6-0 with member Jeff Trout absent.
In other business, the commission again postponed substantive discussion
regarding an update of Chesterton’s 2004 comprehensive plan so consultants
could study and incorporate members’ comments on the final draft distributed
in June. A future public hearing will take place.
Also Thursday, voting 6-0 the commission indicated it will require new bonds
be posted to guarantee sidewalks and infrastructure will be installed for
Rose Hill Estates Phase 4 prior to any permits being issued or construction
taking place. The phase was tied up in a lawsuit and Babcock, the
developer’s attorney, said the previously approved plat may need to be
revisited because of the delays.
Likewise, a unanimous vote had the commission banning any permits or
construction for the Estates of Sand Creek Phase 5B until a replacement
letter of credit is posted and a new plan is presented. The developer was
asked to attend the Aug. 19 meeting and explain the project’s status.
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