Council hears update on abandoned gas station; developer interest and easement issues discussed

Councilors received an update Aug. 12 on the abandoned gas station on Route 30 and heard that the property owner has secured the building and addressed exposed underground storage tanks. Nut graf: Staff said the town has contacted the owner and expects attorney contact; councilors and staff also reported outreach with prospective redevelopers, including a meeting with Dutch Bros that considered the site for a drive-through coffee operation, though easement constraints could affect redevelopment plans. Councilor Sheehy said the owner has secured the building and "supposedly the UST tanks that were exposed" and that staff would contact the owner—s attorney. Councilor Pettit said he, Sheila and Angie met with a company called Dutch Bros that is opening in Valparaiso and that the company specifically looked at the gas station as a potential site. Pettit said the property has an easement that gives access through the parcel and that any redevelopment must account for that encumbrance. No formal redevelopment proposal, sale, or purchase authorization was before the council; staff said they will continue contacting the owner and work with prospective developers. A prior comment noted the owner may participate in a tax-sale process if properties go to commissioner—s sale, which can lead to tax deeds to interested entities; councilors discussed investigating acquisition if parcels come up for sale. Ending: The council did not take formal action; staff were asked to continue outreach to the property owner and to coordinate with potential developers and the town attorney.