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Planning board recommends approval for Badges Events photo‑booth event space at 100 W. 79th Ave

November 20, 2025 | Town of Merrillville, Lake County, Indiana


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Planning board recommends approval for Badges Events photo‑booth event space at 100 W. 79th Ave
The Planning Board recommended approval for Badges Events LLC to operate an indoor event space with integrated photo‑booth services at 100 West 79th Avenue.

Petitioner Carrie Bender said Badges Events has operated a photo‑booth rental and event service since 2022 and plans to convert roughly 1,781 square feet into a multiuse community space for small gatherings, professional headshots and private events. "I am the owner of Badges Events LLC," Bender said, describing plans for intimate events of roughly 50–60 people and photo‑booth packages tailored to community needs.

A staff report said the proposed use will be conducted entirely indoors, will not sell or serve alcohol, will not include on‑site food preparation, and will require external food vendors to present valid food‑handling credentials. Staff reported two means of egress and recommended approval limited to this petitioner and site.

Board members asked about competition with the community center; staff said the scale and services differ, noting Badges Events’ integrated decorating packages and intimate capacity. There were no public objections.

A motion to approve case Z30E18-1125 for petitioner-only, location-only use passed on recorded affirmative votes. Staff will forward the recommendation to the Town Council where required.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
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