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Family Express update prompts resident concerns about wells and traffic; commission outlines review steps
Summary
Applicant updated the commission on a proposed Family Express at US 41 & 99th Avenue; an updated plat including easements for an 8" water main was submitted. A resident raised groundwater-contamination and traffic-safety concerns; staff said IDEM regulates fuel-station permitting and that the proposed store would use town water.
The Family Express project at the southwest corner of US 41 and 99th Avenue was discussed Dec. 18, with the applicant reporting an updated final plat submitted to accommodate an 8-inch water main extension along the eastern edge of the development to provide future connectivity should the town expand south.
During public comment, resident Kurt Knabahans expressed concern that placing a gas station so close to private wells could risk groundwater contamination and asked whether the town will extend water and sewer to nearby homes. He also raised safety concerns about a proposed entrance on Huron Street and questioned earlier county review, saying Lake County had denied the project. Staff and commissioners responded that (1) the plan commission had not taken final action on the site plan that evening, (2) the county’s prior interaction included a 2018 rezoning for a gas station rather than a categorical denial, and (3) fuel stations must meet state permitting rules administered by IDEM (including requirements for underground storage tanks) and the proposed station would connect to town water. Staff suggested annexation and sewer/water extension are matters for the town council, not the Plan Commission.
No vote was taken on the Family Express site plan at this meeting; staff said an engineering resubmittal addressing retention, landscaping and retaining-wall details is expected after the holidays and the project is likely to return to the commission in January.
