Family Express proposes 3-lot subdivision and convenience store at 751 Lincoln Highway; developers to fund Klein Avenue widening

Family Express representatives asked the Schererville Town Plan Commission on Oct. 20 to allow a three-lot subdivision of the former Von Tobel lumber property at 751 Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) and to approve a site plan that would retrofit the front of the existing building for a 9,000-square-foot convenience store, add a fueling canopy with underground storage tanks, and include a single-bay car wash.

"We're looking to essentially accomplish two things with the plan commission. First ... to subdivide the property ... And secondly, to get your approval on the site plan to allow Family Express to move forward with its plans for a convenience store and fueling station," said Patrick Lipp, general counsel for Family Express.

Why it matters: the developer told the commission it will donate a 5-foot right-of-way and construct two southbound through lanes on Klein Avenue adjacent to the site to ease congestion at the U.S. 30 intersection. James Huss, engineer with DVG Team, said the combined town-and-developer improvement would double the number of vehicles the Klein Avenue signal cycle can move from about 11–13 cars per green to roughly 26, a change he said would materially reduce backups onto local streets.

The plan and site details: Family Express proposes to remove a connector section of the former Von Tobel building, retain the original building pieces, and create parking between them. Lot 1 would encompass the front building to be occupied by Family Express; the company would retain ownership of Lot 1 while marketing the rear portions and the other two lots to future users. The developer said the front building will contain about 9,000 square feet for retail and foodservice; the firm also intends to install a fuel canopy, underground storage tanks and a single-bay car wash.

Traffic and right-of-way commitments: Huss said Family Express "proposes a 5 foot right away dedication as part of this project" and that the developer would perform the roadway work with town direction. He described a geometry that carries two through lanes through the intersection and a merge distance that exceeds 300 feet, and said the town will coordinate related improvements to the north leg of Klein Avenue. The development team said construction of the improvements and store could align with a 2026 construction timeframe.

Floodplain and site constraints: the applicant identified areas of 100-year and 500-year floodplain along the Turkey Creek side of the property and said Lot 1 (the Family Express building) would be located outside the floodplain. The subdivision and future construction on Lots 2 and 3 will require additional permitting; the developer said they do not plan to fill the floodplain and expect reshaping and permitting steps before any construction there.

Commission response and next steps: commissioners and staff expressed a generally favorable view of the revised plan. No formal vote was taken at the study session. The commission asked the applicant to work with town staff on required variances (including landscaping) and to return for at least one more study session. Town staff indicated they will identify specific variances and continue coordination with Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) on signal and state-right-of-way matters.

Concerns raised: several commissioners and members of staff flagged traffic behavior and truck traffic as unresolved risks. One commissioner cautioned that driver impatience and heavy truck traffic could create safety problems where two lanes merge back into one; another commissioner noted enforcement of lane use would be an ongoing police matter. Huss and other project representatives acknowledged behavioral uncertainty but said the modeled throughput increase would reduce recurring backups and would also improve emergency-vehicle access on Klein Avenue.

What was not decided: the commission did not grant subdivision approval, vote on variances, or adopt any permits. The applicant said it will file a plat and any variance applications after meeting with staff; the commission recommended returning for another study session before formal action.

Votes at a glance: none (study-session review; no motions or votes were taken).