Michigan City planning director introduces staff, proposes earlier packet deadlines

Michigan City — New Planning Director Dr. Dominic Edwards introduced herself to the Michigan City Board of Zoning Appeals at the board's May 13 meeting and said she would work to improve the packet and meeting process by instituting soft deadlines to provide meeting materials at least two weeks before hearings.

Edwards, speaking in her first week on the job, said she plans to distribute materials earlier so board members have time to review and raise issues before the meeting. She was joined by Gianna Floyd, who said she is the new executive assistant to the public works director Wendy Bachey. Board members welcomed the new staff and expressed support for smoother packet distribution.

Edwards asked for patience during her first year while she and staff refine procedures; she specifically proposed a two‑week target for distribution of meeting materials so errors or omissions can be corrected before the hearing. The board did not take formal action at the meeting on packet deadlines; the comment was made as new business and will require staff follow‑up to become a formal policy.