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Commission approves minor subdivision for Cablin Ace Hardware contingent on access easement
Summary
The commission approved a primary plat for a minor subdivision that will parcel a roughly 7.3-acre site along US-20 into two lots (one for the hardware store and one vacant commercial parcel) but conditioned final acceptance on executing a cross-axis easement to preserve shared driveway access.
The Michigan City Planning Commission on April 28 approved petition P902-26, a primary-plat request by Cablin MC LLC to subdivide about 7.3 acres along U.S. Highway 20 into two parcels, including separating the Cablin Ace Hardware property from an adjacent vacant lot.
Attorney Anthony Novak, representing Cablin MC LLC, told the commission the parcel functions as a flag-shaped lot with roughly 200 feet of frontage on US-20 and an existing driveway; his client seeks approval so that the vacant frontage parcel will be market-ready for development. Novak said the parcel was previously subdivided and this action would create 'Cablin minor subdivision 2.'
Staff recommended approval but attached a condition: the planning department required a recorded cross-axis easement between Cablin MC LLC and the future owner of proposed lot 2A to ensure shared access and prevent landlocking. Novak and CFO Tyler Watkins said the applicant had drafted an easement and expected all three parties (the hardware store, PNC bank parcel and the new lot) to sign before secondary approval.
Residents commented about private roads and vacant properties along the corridor; Tommy Kavik urged the commission to address derelict parcels, and Scott Melon encouraged redevelopment of vacant lots. Novak and Watkins acknowledged mixed access patterns and said the easement would be finalized prior to secondary approval.
The commission moved to approve P902-26 as submitted with the condition that the cross-axis easement be executed; the motion passed by roll call. The condition will be verified before final recording and secondary approvals proceed.
