By PAULENE POPARAD

Porter Town Council President Bill Sexton called it an interesting experiment. Porter Beach residents called it a mistake.

At Tuesday’s council meeting Sexton announced that a compromise had been struck with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (INDU) that will enable it to build and occupy a new Wabash Avenue parking lot, restroom and picnic area this year while environmental studies take place on a new scenario for routing visitor traffic out of the area.

The studies aren’t expected to be completed until next spring. The proposal would approve an alley vacation INDU originally proposed but now also an exchange of property to get to flatter Dabbert Drive, which would link to Duneland Drive and eventually back to Wabash at a location farther away from the lakefront.

Sexton said an earlier proposal to access Duneland Drive directly proved impractical because a dune would have to be removed; the first INDU plan to have traffic enter and exit directly onto Wabash using two driveways was unacceptable to the town because of traffic congestion in the area, especially at the lakefront turnaround.

One temporary enter/exit drive onto Wabash at the south end of the new lot is proposed until the Dabbert/Duneland access road is finalized, said Sexton. However, it will be up to town Building Commissioner Bill Lewis and Police Chief James Spanier whether they allow the required curb cut needed, taking into account the traffic situation.

Sexton said INDU has committed to upgrading area signage. The town also may supply part-time help to monitor traffic. But responding to resident concerns, Sexton said INDU has not committed to closing the lot if their environmental studies show the Dabbert/Duneland road isn’t feasible.

Resident Melissa Cohen said town police need help from INDU rangers, who both have jurisdiction. “That beach is just packed at night.” Resident Knoefel Jones said the town will have to provide law enforcement because INDU won’t. Sexton cited INDU’s promise of more ranger support, likely after Memorial Day. “If it doesn’t happen it will become a major issue with the town. If they don’t keep their commitment, it’s a new ball game,” said Sexton. He noted the town can’t stop INDU from building the new facility but it can restrict it from being used.

Federal park officials have stated that if they don’t get underway on the facility soon, an approximately $300,000 grant to help fund it would be in jeopardy.

Lewis suggested a temporary permit be issued under the circumstances with a deadline for expiration, adding, “It’s up to the residents if they’ll put up with it that long.” Sexton said it will be up to INDU Superintendent Dale Engquist to make good on his representations. “We’re in a Catch 22. There’s not much we can do.”

Property complaints

The council indicated reports will be given at the June 14 meeting on three matters regarding complaints about personal property.

Paul Masterman said he and his neighbors oppose what they termed two illegal sheds on LaSalle Street. Masterman said Lewis has issued notices to remove them and Masterman supports that course of action; he would oppose any after-the-fact waiver to ignore the irregularity.

Four residents near Lake Charles south of U.S. 20 between the truck travel center and Interstate 94 off Lawson Lane brought the council digital pictures of a gate, video surveillance and signs they said a property owner erected on town property around the lake blocking access to it. In 2003 the Porter Park Board discussed how much land it owns in the area.

Sexton said town police are at the Park Board’s disposal to enforce its ownership and remove any illegal signs. Lewis and Spanier were asked to investigate.

On the third matter, Lewis said, “I’ve seen dumps in better shape. A self-respecting rat wouldn’t live there.” He was referring to a house on Six Box Lane where two-thirds of the roof has collapsed and the property is in disrepair. A deadline for compliance has passed. Associate town attorney Patrick Lyp offered to check property records before the council considers having the home torn down and that cost charged back to the owner as a lien.

The council got good news from Porter Cove resident Becky Maranto. The homeowners’ association wants to build sidewalks in areas where they are missing, especially near Kids Cove park. The project will cost about $7,000. Maranto asked that the town waive the building permit fee and accept the sidewalks once completed. Sexton asked the matter to be reviewed before a decision is made but council members welcomed the project as long as the sidewalks are built to code.

Parade application submitted

Steve Nietzel, who last year organized a revamped Porter July 4 parade, presented an application within the required 30-day deadline for a parade permit Tuesday for both a midnight parade and a kid’s parade. Nietzel said Giggle’s Pizza is sponsoring the events this year but he will coordinate it with new ideas planned; he called for more floats and participation.

Roger Abraham, who is assisting Nietzel, said the group is considering having a family area at Lincoln Street and Waverly Road if the Park Board approves, and he asked if one beer garden could be approved on Lincoln. Department heads were asked to review the requests. Spanier said he sees advantages and disadvantages to the beer garden. Otherwise, Nietzel and Abraham were praised by Sexton for their efforts last year.

Clerk-treasurer Carol Pomeroy said the Porter County Treasurer has forwarded an advance on the May property-tax collections, and she thanked the Duneland Chamber of Commerce for its donation of a seven-foot, double-sided outdoor clock. The Public Works Department will pour a pad and bolt down the timepiece once a site is selected.

Associate town attorney Patrick Lyp said next month he will have a proposal from Indiana American Water Co. to take over Porter’s sanitary sewer billings, which are based on water usage. Porter anticipates a cost savings in doing so.

Fire Chief Lewis Craig warned residents it is strictly against state law to open burn materials and a citation was issued in Porter on Monday for doing so. He also asked for more time for the volunteer firefighters to review a proposed final draft of a contract with the town.

Porter Public Works Director Karl Bauer said a sink hole has developed on Beam Street north of U.S. 20 near Peterson Ditch and the Porter County Highway Department has jurisdiction. Bauer was authorized to hire two part-time employees as summer laborers, and proposed a $1,651 mosquito abatement program this year including purchase of a $750 sprayer. He is being certified as an applicator. Granat supported treating specific areas, not the entire town. Bauer also asked his office be called if residents have brush to be picked up at the curb or alley.

Park Board President Bud Tilden invited the public to Hawthorne Park’s May 30 Memorial Day observance at 1:30 p.m. He also announced that Stephanie Miller was hired as the new park administrator, a post she held for almost 12 years before resigning in 2001. Four other applicants were considered.

Sexton said organizer Nancy Whisler is looking for volunteers for this year’s Taste of Porter festival and those interested should contact her. He also warned residents that temporary signs such as those for yard sales, weight loss and home purchase are illegal and should be removed from public property.

Posted 5/25/2005