By VICKI URBANIK

Concerns about an already dangerous traffic situation on U.S. 6 were among the reasons why the Porter County Plan Commission on Wednesday gave a unanimous unfavorable recommendation to a rezoning in Liberty Township.

Arcadia Development of Calumet City, Ill. is seeking to rezone about 80 acres on the southeast corner of U.S. 6 and C.R. 75W from the current Rural-Residential zone to R-1. The new zoning would allow a greater density for a new subdivision with 116 lots.

Immediately to the south is property that’s also being developed by Arcadia. In late 2006, Arcadia sought to rezone this parcel from RR to R-1 for a 134-lot subdivision, but the proposal was met with strong public opposition and the rezoning was ultimately withdrawn. That parcel is now being developed under the less dense, RR zoning.

Attorney Todd Etzler, representing developer Pat Kleihege, a principal in Arcadia, said the R1 zoning follows the county’s master plan. The R1 represents a gradual move to higher density, with RR zoning to the south and commercial zoning and mobile home park to the north along U.S. 6.

But a number of neighboring residents objected, saying that their community is rural and that any new subdivisions in the area should be developed under the RR zoning. “I think the density is too much,” said 50W resident Brenda Krause, who questioned if rezoning the north portion would clear the way for Arcadia to resubmit the same R-1 zoning for the southern part.

A major concern raised by residents and planners alike dealt with the traffic conditions on the nearby stretch of U.S. 6. The property abuts U.S. 6 in a spot that’s at the bottom of two hills.

Turning from or onto the highway is dangerous, said Dr. Marie Nowak. “You do take your life into your own hands.”

The situation on 75W is also dangerous, said Spencer Cortwright. A curve on that road is deceiving, since people drive it without realizing its dangers. Adding a dense subdivision will compound the problem, he said. “Low-density is the way to go.”

But Etzler said the subdivision would actually improve traffic due to proposed safety improvements, including a new turn lane on U.S. 6. A traffic study presented showed that a fully built-out Arcadia would add up to 48 additional vehicles per hour on and off U.S. 6 during the peak afternoon time.

Planners weren’t swayed, however.

“I think it’s a safety hazard,” said planner Rick Burns, who called the site one of the worst in the county for a new subdivision due to the traffic conditions. Similarly, planner Rita Stevenson said she doesn’t need a traffic study to know how dangerous U.S. 6 is, since she drives it daily.

Planner Elizabeth Marshall characterized the proposal as a “speculator’s dream concept.” She expressed concern about the county approving so many new subdivisions that sit undeveloped, with the few houses that do get built remaining vacant. She also said Arcadia was “pushing the envelope” by seeking the R-1 zoning for the northern property after being rejected for the southern part.

Although the rezoning prompted a unanimous rejection, two planners had mixed feelings. Kevin Breitzke, the county surveyor, commended the plans for sanitary water and sewer through the Damon Run Conservancy District.

Planner Tim Cole said it’s been rumored that the Indiana Department of Transportation is planning to widen U.S. 6 in that area, from Ind. 49 westward. He commended the planners for taking this possible expansion into account in the northern part of the parcel. He said he does believe the proposal includes some good planning aspects.

The Porter County Commissioners have the final say over rezonings.

The commissioners will hear the rezoning at a date to be announced later.

Posted 4/10/2008