Chesterton Tribune

Council to consider rezoning EMS barn from R2 to B2

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When it meets at 7 p.m. Monday, the Chesterton Town Council will consider re-zoning to business uses the 2.4-acre parcel currently used by the Porter hospital EMS station at the southwest corner of East Porter Ave. and Ind. 49.

At its meeting in May, the Advisory Plan Commission voted 4-1 to endorse the re-zone, from R-2 to B-2.

The re-zone is needed by the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce to obtain financing for its proposed $170,000 welcome sign and LED message board, which would be sited at the south end of the parcel.

The Porter County Commissioners own the property in question.

The Plan Commission, in endorsing the re-zone, have recommended the exclusion of certain B-2 uses: nursing home, retirement village, greenhouse, all auto-service uses, retail food sales and fast-food restaurants, recreational uses, firework sales, alcohol sales, and convenience stores.

Permitted uses include bank, business offices, child care, medical/veterinary clinic, tanning salon, funeral home, church, antique shop, florist, and office supply.

Planner Jeff Ton cast the lone nay vote against endorsing the re-zone, on the ground that the Morgan Park neighborhood, directly across the street from the ambulance facility, needs no more business.

The Town Council will consider another re-zone endorsed by the Plan Commission: two parcels at 190 E. Mekeland Lane owned by Lewis and Lisa Graff, from B-3 to R-1.

The Town Council will also hear updates on the Downtown utility project, the Thomas Centennial Park restroom project, and the 15th Street facility.

 

Posted 6/10/2011