Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Plan Commission to concept review PSR's plan for annexed 1100N property

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The Chesterton Advisory Plan Commission will hold a concept review at its next meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, on PSR LLC’s proposed planned unit development on 1100N, across the street from Dogwood Park and immediately west of the Stone Meadows subdivision.

So Town Engineer Mark O’Dell reported to the Town Council at its meeting Monday night.

A concept review is typically an informal give-and-take process which precedes the more rigorous preliminary hearing. At the latter, planners determine whether they--or at least a majority of them--approve in principle with the terms of the proposed PUD. If they do, their next step is to schedule a public hearing on the PUD, at which neighbors will have every opportunity to remonstrate against the plan.

At their last meeting, council members voted unanimously to approve the annexation of PSR’s 59 acres. Members emphasized, though, that annexation was in no way an endorsement of PSR’s proposed PUD, but only a way to ensure that the town has full control over what gets put on the property.

PSR, in December 2018, originally proposed a mix of single-family, duplex, and triplex units, as well as a pair of commercial buildings whose use was never explained. At the time, residents of Stone Meadows, Rosehill Estates, and Dogwood Estate vociferously objected to the plan, however, and the council tabled it. Earlier this summer, the council un-tabled it for the purpose of considering the annexation of the property, after PSR’s attorney, Greg Babcock, announced that PSR has withdrawn the duplexes and triplexes from the plan, but not the two commercial buildings.

A grass-roots campaign against PSR’s proposed PUD has emerged over the last week or so, with numerous signs urging “NO” to the planned unit development popping up along 1100N and Pearson Road.

Plan Commission Appointment

In other business, Cassie Hammar was appointed to the open citizen’s seat on the Plan Commission.

It was a presidential appointment made by Member Sharon Darnell, D-4th, after members, earlier in the evening, interviewed three applicants for the seat.

The citizen’s seat had been held by Dane Lafata, who earlier this summer was elected by a Democrat caucus to fill the 3rd District seat on the Town Council vacated by the resignation of Bob Allison. Elected and appointed officials, and also municipal employees, are precluded by state law from holding a citizen’s seat.

Ton on Resale Shop

Member Jim Ton, R-1st, took a moment at the end of the meeting to voice his hope that the Duneland Resale Shop will open again soon, after being closed in the early days of the pandemic. Ton, noting that most of the volunteers who staff the Resale Shop are older and especially vulnerable to COVID-19, said that perhaps some younger folks can get the operation up and running as before.

“Well, I’m just missing the Resale Shop,” Tom remarked. “It’s a valuable asset to the community. I’m really hoping someone will pick up the reins, because there are things in there people can use.”

Fisher on the Pandemic

Member Jennifer Fisher, I-5th, for her part, made a heartfelt plea to all Dunelanders to work together during the pandemic for everyone’s sake. “COVID has been very stressful for people,” she said. “It’s changed the way we do things. It’s become a point of contention. Are we going to wear a mask? Are we going to eat out? Are we in favor of in-person school? I would encourage Chesterton residents to support each other in making the decisions that are difficult but must be made. We need to stand together to support each other.”

 

Posted 8/11/2020

 
 
 
 

 

 

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