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Michigan City BZA continues Crew Car Wash petition to Sept. 9 after applicant requests more time
Summary
The Michigan City Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 12 unanimously continued petition B-101-25 (Big Red LLC / Crew Car Wash) to the Sept. 9 meeting at the applicant's request. Public commenters urged the board to enforce prior variance conditions, require parking and sustainability measures, and address vacant car-wash sites.
The Michigan City Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously agreed Tuesday to continue petition B-101-25, filed by Big Red LLC for a Crew Car Wash, to its Sept. 9 meeting after the petitioner's attorney asked for more time to provide updated materials.
Board members voted to continue the advertised public hearing after attorney Christopher Willoughby said he was recently retained and asked the board to delay “in the best interest of having this petition be fully prepared thoroughly so that you have, again, all the information we feel is necessary.” The motion to continue passed with all members voting yes.
The continuance came amid public comment from residents who said the board should use conditions and enforcement when it grants variances. Scott Mellon, identified as a resident of Kenwood Place, said, “This was an advertised public hearing, and there are some members of the public here. I think it would be fair to hear what we had to say.” Mellon also asked the board how it follows up on a 12-month compliance period after variances are granted and whether required conditions—such as additional on-site parking—are being enforced.
Another resident, Tommy Klavick of 1316 Ohio, urged the board to consider the effect of vacant and decaying former car-wash properties on neighborhood health and safety, saying such sites “are a detriment to our community.” Several speakers suggested the board could require energy- and water-efficiency measures if it grants a variance for a new car wash, citing the high water and energy use typical of those businesses.
Board members and staff clarified enforcement pathways during the meeting. A board member noted that if a variance is not adhered to, the matter can be referred to the county prosecutor for enforcement or have permission rescinded. Staff asked members of the public to notify the planning office or commissioners if they believe conditions of approval are not being met; the board does not routinely inspect all properties for compliance.
The BZA also took a routine procedural vote to approve the minutes from its July 8 meeting; that motion passed unanimously.
The petition B-101-25 will return for hearing on Sept. 9. The board did not take any substantive action on the merits of the petition on Aug. 12; no permit or variance was granted or denied.
Votes at a glance - Motion to accept minutes from July 8 meeting — outcome: approved (unanimous). Vote: Ricky Jackson: yes; Brett Klender: yes; Kathy Stransky: yes; Deborah Vance: yes; Brian Gross: yes. - Motion to continue petition B-101-25 (Big Red LLC / Crew Car Wash) to Sept. 9 — outcome: approved (unanimous). Vote: Ricky Jackson: yes; Brett Klender: yes; Kathy Stransky: yes; Deborah Vance: yes; Brian Gross: yes.
Next steps and context - Petition B-101-25 will be heard again at the BZA meeting scheduled for Sept. 9; the applicant indicated it will submit updated materials before that hearing. - Members of the public asked the board to consider attaching conditions related to parking and building sustainability if the variance is granted and to clarify enforcement of the board's 12-month compliance window for permits and conditions.
(Reporter note: The meeting recording identifies board members at roll call as Ricky Jackson, Brett Klender, Kathy Stransky, Deborah Vance and Brian Gross; staff assisting the meeting identified herself as Miss Edwards.)
