Michigan City zoning board continues car-wash petition; public raises unsafe-building concerns

The Michigan City Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 9 granted a continuance for petition BD-101-25, a request tied to a proposed car-wash development, and heard extended public comment urging enforcement of Indiana’s unsafe-structure law and action on vacant properties.

Attorney Christopher Willoughby, representing the petitioner identified in the hearing as BD-101-25 (Big Red LLC — Crew Car Wash), requested the continuance, saying the applicant needed more time to finish due diligence and finalize an easement related to access. “So I respectfully request on behalf of the clients that we continue this public hearing for October,” Willoughby said.

The board voted unanimously to continue the petition to the board’s Oct. 14, 2025, meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall chambers. The motion to continue was made by board member Frank Clender and approved on a roll call vote of five in favor, zero opposed.

Why it matters: The petition concerns a high‑visibility parcel on a main corridor where some residents argued that a car wash would not be the property’s “highest and best use” and that the application requires a variance because of zoning rules. The continuance means the board will consider a more complete application, including any negotiated access easement, at its October meeting.

What board members and residents said Attorney Christopher Willoughby told the board the applicant was negotiating an easement and addressing staff concerns and therefore asked for the hearing to be postponed so the board would have a fuller record.

In public comment, several residents raised broader concerns about vacant, deteriorated structures in Michigan City. One commenter, who identified himself as Len O'Connor, read the state statute he said applies to vacant buildings, quoting Indiana Code 36-7-9-4.5 and urging the board and other city officials to use the law to prompt maintenance, repair or demolition where properties present hazards.

Another resident, Scott Mellon of 200 Kenwood Place, said he generally supports development but opposed the proposed car wash at the site and urged the board to apply the city’s zoning standard (he cited “Section 3…28.11” and “Section 4” of the city zoning code) to find that the property does not meet the legal test for a variance. “There’s nothing particular to that location that the car wash is the highest and best use of that property,” Mellon said.

Tommy Klobick, who spoke during public comment, described recent property transactions at nearby motel parcels and noted a property-tax bill he said was about $11,000 annually; he and other commenters urged the city to address blight and unsafe buildings.

Board remarks and other items Board members approved minutes from the Aug. 12 meeting at the start of the Sept. 9 session. When asked for board comments, one board member noted the city-owned former police substation and other vacant buildings near private residences, and said the city’s limited budget constrains how quickly the city can remove or rehabilitate dilapidated properties.

Next steps The board will consider petition BD-101-25 at its Oct. 14, 2025, meeting at 6 p.m. if the applicant remains on the agenda. Public comment during that hearing may include further testimony on site access, the requested variance, and neighborhood impacts.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve minutes of Aug. 12, 2025 — approved (unanimous roll call). - Motion to continue petition BD-101-25 (Big Red LLC / Crew Car Wash) to Oct. 14, 2025 — approved (unanimous roll call).