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Commission raises safety and compliance concerns about Taco Bell site plan, asks staff to pursue INDOT requirement
Summary
Commissioners questioned whether recent changes by INDOT and on-site construction match the plan the board approved for the Taco Bell/Pilot site at U.S. Highway 20; they asked staff to confirm INDOT's required right-in/right-out configuration and to ensure the approved site plan is met before occupancy.
Commissioners raised safety and compliance concerns about a Taco Bell/Pilot site along U.S. Highway 20 after staff and commissioners observed field work that appears to differ from the plan the commission approved.
Commissioners said an email dated July 9 from Lauren Hoffman (copied to Burns Harbor staff, Jim Sada and Matt Ray) states that INDOT requires a right-in/right-out drive configuration on U.S. Highway 20 and that plans would be revised to show that requirement. Commissioners said the on-the-ground configuration currently occupies a former deceleration lane and that INDOT's changes shifted lane geometry in a way that affects the approved access. One commissioner said, “We could write that letter to INDOT and get that ball rolling,” and several commissioners agreed staff should follow up. Commissioners also expressed that the Old Porter Road exit should remain a standard two-way local road (allowing left turns) unless the developer returns to the commission for a site-plan change.
Commissioners discussed whether the town may withhold a certificate of occupancy if the built entrance does not match the commission-approved site plan; one commissioner said the town should ensure the development is built “pursuant to the approved site plan” before granting occupancy. The discussion identified these next steps: staff should confirm the INDOT-required configuration in writing, notify the developer of outstanding site-plan compliance issues, and follow up before an occupancy permit is issued. No formal vote or ordinance change was recorded on this item during the meeting.
