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…