Plan Commission directs staff review of four-lot subdivision at Taco Bell site on Melton Road

The Burns Harbor Plan Commission directed staff to review a primary-plat application from Natron Corporation for a four-lot subdivision at 250 Melton Road, the parcel that currently houses a Taco Bell, and to work with the applicant to prepare materials for a public hearing.

A representative for Natron said the Taco Bell occupies about the eastern 20% of the parcel and the proposed subdivision would create three additional commercial lots, a frontage road that ties into the Taco Bell parking lot, and a detention pond west of the restaurant. The representative said preliminary engineering shows future lots could share stormwater infrastructure and tie into an existing low-pressure sewer installed when the Taco Bell was built.

Commissioners raised multiple technical and jurisdictional concerns: a wetland notation on one submission prompted staff to say a wetland delineation may be required; the adequacy of existing lift-station and sewer capacity must be verified with letters from the sanitary board; and access from State Road 20 will require INDOT review and a bond for right-of-way improvements. The applicant said INDOT application was imminent.

The commission passed a motion directing staff (SHEM) to review the submitted materials, work with the applicant to clarify plat lines and easements, and return with comments and a recommended timeline for a public hearing if INDOT and utility responses are received. The motion passed by roll call with all members voting yes.

Next steps for the applicant include submitting the INDOT access request, providing sanitary and water capacity letters, and completing any required wetland delineation; the commission indicated a public hearing could be scheduled at the next meeting once outstanding jurisdictional items are resolved.