Merrillville planning commission defers 17-acre PUD after residents raise traffic and flood concerns

The Town of Merrillville Planning Commission voted to defer action on a preliminary planned-unit development petition from Kendall Property Group, delaying a decision until a Dec. 16 meeting so town staff and the developer can complete technical reviews and the developer can consider design changes.

Jeff Bann, principal at DVG Team, told the commission he and the ownership team were not ready to present final plans because staff had not completed review of more than a dozen technical submittals and the design team wanted time to evaluate density changes. "We want everyone that's here tonight to be at the December 16 regular meeting," Bann said, asking for a deferral so the project could be presented with updated information.

A large group of residents from neighborhoods abutting the site used the informal public hearing to press the commission on notice, traffic, emergency access and stormwater. "It's a very peaceful community," said Lloyd Smith, a nearby resident, arguing the neighborhood could not absorb high-density development. Several speakers cited ambulance access to the nearby hospital, vehicles speeding on 87th Avenue, and concerns that adding what residents estimated as '400 cars' would worsen safety.

Town counsel and planning staff said the petition met Indiana's legal notice requirements. "Under Indiana law, the petitioner has to notify adjacent property owners within 300 feet," the municipal attorney said, noting additional notice options such as legal publication for those beyond the statutory radius. Planning staff also offered residents a sign-up sheet to receive mailed reminders about the Dec. 16 meeting.

The developer described technical work underway: stormwater and drainage calculations, verification of sewer and utility capacity, and design materials. Bann said the team is exploring amenities, including a walking path and improvements around the existing pond as part of a potential benefit to the community.

Commissioners repeatedly reminded the audience that a PUD is a zone-change request and that the land currently carries R-5 multifamily zoning dating to prior approvals; one commissioner noted that, as a permitted use under certain processes, the owner could pursue development consistent with existing zoning if the PUD is denied. After a motion and second, the commission took a roll-call vote and recorded six "yes" votes to defer the public hearing and associated action to Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

The commission's deferral is procedural: it keeps public comment open and allows the developer to address technical questions raised by staff and residents before a formal final hearing or vote. The petition will return to the Planning Commission agenda on Dec. 16, and any subsequent recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council if the PUD advances.