Council advances vacation of Thunder Drive to accommodate Trine University expansion

The Angola Common Council on May 5 gave first-reading approval to Ordinance No. 17 78 20 25, an ordinance vacating a portion of Thunder Drive west of the railroad tracks to allow Trine University to consolidate and develop additional campus property.

At a public hearing the council heard from Jordan Huttonlocker of the Rothberg Law Firm, who said he was representing Trine University and that the vacation covers about two acres at the west end of Thunder Drive. Huttonlocker said an easement agreement has been negotiated with the city to preserve city access for water and sewer work and to allow private utilities access to the vacated right-of-way.

Council members and residents raised safety and enforcement concerns tied to shifting the roadway to private ownership. Resident Chris Sumritt, of 680 Edgewood Lane, told the council that private ownership would permit the university to install traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps — which are not allowed on public roads — and recommended designing any such measures so emergency vehicles could still pass. Several council members and commenters asked who would enforce speed limits and stop signs once the right-of-way is vacated, and whether existing traffic control devices placed at the railroad’s request would remain effective.

City officials said the vacation stems from a 2016 memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which the city pledged right-of-way to help the university secure matching grant dollars for campus projects. The city noted advantages to vacating the roadway: the city would no longer be responsible for maintenance, plowing, or repaving, while Trine would be able to develop to the vacated edge without setback requirements tied to a public right-of-way.

Council members requested further coordination with Trine University and said the ordinance’s three-reading process gives time to resolve outstanding questions about signage, emergency access, and whether the university would commit to enforce traffic controls or enter contracts that would allow local enforcement. The ordinance was introduced by title as Ordinance No. 17 78 20 25 and passed first reading; council members indicated they expect follow-up at the second and third readings.

The public hearing record shows the city’s staff and council intend to clarify easement language and coordinate with campus safety before the council takes final action. The council did not vote on the easement itself during the meeting; the council’s vote at the meeting was to advance the ordinance to subsequent readings.