La Porte resident raises downtown drainage, car-wash visibility, icy crosswalk and park vista concerns

Dean White of 3066 Highway 35 told the La Porte Common Council on April 7 that recurring water retention and drainage problems are creating safety hazards in multiple downtown locations and urged the city to act.

"It retains water and it actually, covers the city sidewalk as well," White said of standing water near a downtown building he identified on Lincoln Way near the BP station, adding that passing cars splash pedestrians. White said he had raised the issue with the State Highway Department and that when Lincoln Way was paved the elevation changes were not addressed; he noted the area lacks curbs and a sewer tie-in.

White also raised a visibility and safety concern at the Tsunami Car Wash, saying the single driveway serves as both entrance and exit and sight lines are obscured by a fence that sits on a 24-inch embankment. Police staff previously brought the issue to the Traffic Commission, a police representative noted during White's comments; council members said the city is working with the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Traffic Commission to assess options.

He reported recurring water collection and freezing at downtown pedestrian crosswalks, creating ice hazards in winter months. "In the wintertime, the water freezes and it's ice, and it's not safe at all for people," White said.

White's final item urged development of a vista view at Soldiers Memorial Park to highlight wetlands and views of Pine Lake and Stone Lake, and to improve wayfinding and small-event opportunities. Council President Franke said he had inspected the site with White and cited erosion and land ownership as constraints: he said the county owns a significant portion of the parcel and that the city lacks the resources to fund or fully manage the clearing on its own without county participation.

"We asked the county to partner on this project, and that hasn't gone anywhere," Franke said, while noting some county environmental staff may have grant funds available for erosion work but that county direction is needed to use those funds.

City staff and council members acknowledged the items and said they would forward details to the appropriate departments. During White's remarks a police representative noted the Traffic Commission had discussed the Tsunami Car Wash driveway at a recent meeting; the council did not take immediate formal action at the meeting but council members said they would pursue coordination with county and state partners for the park and continue discussions on drainage and traffic safety.

Ending: The concerns White raised were referred to staff and relevant commissions; council members signaled further work with the county and state agencies would be needed for the park vista and downtown drainage fixes.