Two requests before the Chesterton Board of Zoning Appeals advanced Thursday to public hearing June 24 but the third was continued when the petitioners didn’t show up.

When presenting their case to the BZA, Robert and Kelly McKinney of 1520 Lob Wedge Lane said they want to install a 6 foot-high fence to screen their backyard that faces The Brassie golf course across County Road 125W.

A variance is needed because the fence would be 1.5 feet higher than town code allows when adjacent to a public right-of-way.

The Kelleys said with a toddler and a newborn they need the fence for privacy and safety near the busy roadway. The couple also said a town building permit was issued for the fence but they later were told to stop work due to the need for a variance.

The matter advanced to public hearing next month on a 5-0 vote, but the petition of Bradley and Christabel Thomas was continued as a preliminary hearing when no one was present to answer questions. They are seeking the same variance for a 6-foot fence at 819 Olde Towne Square adjacent to Sand Creek Drive.

The night’s third petition saw attorney Russell Millbranth present Scott Finner’s request not to install curbs, gutters or sidewalks for a 3-acre, three-lot subdivision Finner plans to develop just slightly east of the Sand Creek Country Club entrance and adjacent to the golf course’s No. 2 hole.

Millbranth said in 2002 the BZA gave permission for the property west of Finner to be developed without curbs, gutters or sidewalks; BZA members requested the paperwork related to the 2002 approval be provided to them for the June 24 public hearing.

BZA member Tom Browne said he wants to be sure there is no issue with the town’s mandated MS4 stormwater-protection requirements if Finner’s waivers are granted; Millbranth maintains drainage wouldn’t be adversely affected.

On another matter, BZA members briefly discussed the possible upcoming petition for use variance from Louis Vasconi, who was not present Thursday.

Last week Vasconi told the Advisory Plan Commission he wants to expedite the variance so Aug. 1 he can open an environmentally friendly dry cleaners in the Galleria Mall along Indian Boundary Road.