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Tolleston Opportunity Hub special-use petition wins unanimous zoning support; petitioner presents to Gary council
Summary
CPO 2025-16 would allow use of properties at 2762 W. 18th Ave and 1502-16 Marshall Ave as a recreational building with medical offices (Tolleston Opportunity Hub). The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously recommended approval; petitioner DVG Team presented to the council and no opposition was raised at the meeting.
The Gary Common Council heard CPO 2025-16 on March 27, an ordinance reviewing a special-use permit to allow use of parcels at 2762 West 18th Avenue and 1502-16 Marshall Avenue as a recreational building with medical offices (identified in the hearing as the Tolleston Opportunity Hub). Steve Jenkins of the law department told council members the petition received a unanimous favorable vote from the Board of Zoning Appeals based on the zoning code's seven special-use criteria.
Max Jeske of DVG Team, identified as the petitioner’s representative, said he was present to answer questions and described the project as the Tolleston Opportunity Hub. "Happy to answer any questions," Jeske said. Council members said they had reviewed the plans and expressed interest in the project.
Jenkins read the same seven zoning criteria the city uses for special-use reviews: no detriment to public health, safety, morals or general welfare; no injury to the enjoyment of neighboring properties; no impediment to normal development; adequate utilities and access; measures to minimize traffic congestion; location in a district where the use is authorized and compliance with chapter requirements; and demonstration of sustainable growth principles.
At the meeting the petition drew no substantive public opposition; council members said they had seen the plans and were "excited about the project." The petitioner did not present a staff-provided breakdown at the meeting; Jenkins noted he was filling in for another attorney and did not have the staff analysis to read in detail.
Why it matters: The Tolleston Opportunity Hub combines recreational and medical office uses at two adjacent parcels and was unanimously favored by the BZA, clearing the way for council consideration. If approved by the council, the special-use permit would authorize a non-standard mix of uses at these addresses and could affect local services and neighborhood usage.
Procedural status: The Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously in favor of the petition at its February hearing; the council heard the presentation March 27 and will consider the ordinance according to its agenda schedule.
