Burns Harbor commissioners considered changes to sidewalk and subdivision language after a resident raised concerns about an unfinished stretch of sidewalk adjacent to new lots.

The proposal under review would require owners of multiple adjacent lots to install sidewalks on all lots prior to issuance of occupancy permits and would ask developers to install sidewalks on unsold lots before the town accepts a subdivision phase. Commissioners debated whether those requirements should live in the subdivision control ordinance (the usual place for phased requirements) rather than the general code, because early installation can be impractical — heavy equipment and construction traffic typically occur before final sidewalks are poured.

One speaker said they had shared email correspondence with the regional ADA director and portions of the state’s PROWAG (Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines), which the speaker said the state of Indiana has adopted and which addresses sidewalks in subdivisions. Staff and commissioners noted PROWAG is detailed: "It's 59 pages long," one participant said, and that the guidance could inform local standards.

The discussion also touched on an unresolved procedural matter: the speaker said they had submitted materials and left messages with state contacts and that Town Council member Lisa Dreves was investigating a related Title 6 complaint. Town staff later reported the complaint may not have been filed appropriately and that, as a result, the town had limited ability to compel immediate corrective action; staff recommended pursuing code amendments to prevent future confusion.

Commissioners asked staff to review the approved subdivision plans to determine whether sidewalks were required in the original approvals and to draft potential ordinance language clarifying when sidewalks must be built and what enforcement triggers (lot-sale thresholds or phase acceptance) should apply. No action was adopted at the meeting; staff follow-up was requested.

Commissioners indicated they want clearer local language tied to state accessibility guidance so the town can enforce consistent sidewalk outcomes in future subdivisions.