Plan Commission approves one-lot subdivision for Costco employee parking lot

The Town of Merrillville Plan Commission voted unanimously to approve a final one-lot subdivision permit that will allow Costco Wholesale to create an off-street employee parking lot at 1420 and 1500 East 79th Avenue.

Larry Trick, Costco real estate manager, told the commission the project is nearly complete and that engineering comments have been addressed. "We've made some submittals. We've received comments back. I think we're 99% there," Trick said, adding the petitioner would continue coordinating with town engineers on stormwater controls and lighting.

Sheila, the town staff member who presented the report, said surface water will be conveyed through a private storm sewer system with underground detention to meet Town of Merrillville standards. Commissioners discussed pedestrian safety and signage; Commissioner Brian Daring asked whether the petitioner could install a sign near the Culver’s property warning motorists about a pedestrian crosswalk and the new Hawk signal. Trick agreed: "That's something we could easily do."

The commission moved to approve P5FS-426 (motion by Brian Daring; second by Sean Pettit). A roll-call vote recorded seven affirmative votes and the motion passed in full. The commission noted a waiver-and-release form will be finalized for town signatures prior to closing out outstanding administrative items.

The decision allows Costco to proceed to final engineering and construction approvals; staff and the petitioner said they will continue to coordinate final documents and signatures. The commission moved on to the next agenda item after the vote.