The Town of Merrillville council voted to grant a special exception to operate a Tire Master tire-service facility at the former Lumber Liquidators location on a 3.85-acre parcel in a C-3 highway-commercial zone.

Planning and Building Director Sheila Shine told the council the Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval with conditions specific to this location and use, including improving the parking lot, installing fencing and enhancing landscaping. The petitioner, who identified himself as the owner/operator of multiple shops and said he is a civil engineer by trade, told council members the conditions were acceptable, that the business would employ a minimum of 10 people, and that used tires would be removed from the site by a tire-removal vendor in Chicago.

Council members asked follow-up questions about tire storage, hours of operation (proposed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Saturday), number of overhead doors and maintenance of the property. Shine emphasized the zoning board’s requirement that the paving be completed before a business license would be issued. The council approved the motion by roll call (six in favor). The petitioner expressed appreciation and said the business would proceed to make the site presentable.

Council’s approval allows the petitioner to pursue a business license once the zoning conditions — especially paving and landscape improvements — are satisfied.