Developer presents site work plan for Apollo Group Addition Lot 2; FEMA clearance and public hearing still required

Developer Rich Ruth told Schererville Town officials at a study session that he is seeking permission to begin front-of-lot utilities and site work at the property described as Apollo Group Addition Lot 2 along US 41 (Indianapolis Boulevard). "My name is Rich Ruth. We're here to request permission to start the construction of the next phase of the property known as 847," he said, and asked to proceed with sewer, water and grading for the front half of the property while FEMA's decision about the rear floodplain is pending.

Ruth presented photographs showing demolished footings and piled concrete from earlier work and described removing and crushing concrete and segregating rebar. He said he sold some crushed material and estimated large quantities had been excavated; he also said crushing costs were about "$12 a ton." Ruth said he owns an additional 48,000-square-foot building that could be split into two structures if FEMA does not clear the rear portion of the site for building placement.

Town staff and members pressed Ruth on floodplain mitigation and FEMA coordination. An Unidentified Speaker and Bill Jarvis asked whether Ruth or his engineer had sought a mitigation trade-off with FEMA; Ruth said he had not handled that directly but that engineer Taringa/Tarenga had been in contact with FEMA. Ruth and staff discussed that the proposed front retention pond and grading may provide compensatory storage, but staff advised pursuing formal FEMA mitigation discussions before finalizing building plans.

Ruth described the immediate scope of work he is requesting permission to start: extend sewer and water from existing lines, install utilities so they will not conflict with adjacent infrastructure, remove an unsightly fence near the bike trail, add a second access for the property, and complete landscaping around a proposed pond. Staff confirmed that, because the site is in the US 41 commercial corridor overlay district, the immediate utilities work could proceed through the overlay process and that Ruth should coordinate with staff to be scheduled for a public hearing to obtain the necessary approvals.

No formal motion or vote was taken at the study session. Officials directed Ruth to coordinate with staff member Denise to be placed on the public hearing agenda; Ruth said he would pursue that and attempt to have the engineer follow up with FEMA. The meeting adjourned with a plan for Ruth to return to a later public hearing for formal subdivision and building approvals once FEMA's determination and any necessary mitigation are resolved.