Stormwater board continues Avalon Properties site plan pending staff and Valparaiso review

The Porter County Stormwater Advisory Board voted to continue action on a permit application from Avalon Properties, Third LLC, for work at 1910 Calumet Avenue in Valparaiso after staff said more plan clarifications and city review were needed.

Staff member Mike, speaking for reviewer Chelsea (who was unable to attend), told the board the application showed new pavement, landscaping and other impervious improvements affecting the regulated Smith Ditch drainage easement but contained items Chelsea wanted tidied before final approval. "She...felt there were some things that needed to be tidied up on the plans to make it more concise," Mike said. He also noted staff would like to see Valparaiso’s direction because the property is inside the city limits but touches the county legal drain.

Kevin Corros of McLean Associates, representing Avalon, said the project converts an old doctor's office to a professional office suite, involves modest new impervious surfaces and—after field measurement—appears to improve stormwater runoff to the existing corrugated metal pipe serving Smith Ditch. "The bottom line is we're making the runoff better in this area," Corros said, describing a small difference in measured acreage depending on whether land is classified as woodland or lawn.

Board members asked technical questions about load-bearing asphalt over existing tile, maintenance responsibilities if the pipe fails, and the sequence of approvals between the county and Valparaiso. Andy Ross moved to continue the docket until Chelsea completes her review; the motion was seconded and the board approved the continuance.

Staff said the applicant may appear at the commissioners meeting for final approval after the outstanding staff comments and any city corrections are resolved. The board’s continuation preserves the record while staff and the city finalize recommended plan changes.