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Family Express proposes three-lot subdivision; wetlands delineation scheduled May 18, plan commission hears waivers and parking concerns
Summary
Family Express representatives told the Schererville Plan Commission they will plat three lots at 751 Lincoln Highway, with lot one (Family Express) slated for immediate development. Staff and the applicant discussed a 75-foot regulated drain easement, a wetland delineation set for May 18, required INDOT permits for Klein Avenue improvements, and requested waivers for stormwater detention (all lots) and frontage (lot three).
Family Express representatives and their consulting team presented a proposed three-lot C3 subdivision for 751 Lincoln Highway at the March 16 Schererville Plan Commission study session and answered questions on wetlands, drainage permits and parking.
Pete Andreo, vice president of development for Family Express, and engineer James Hus Jr. explained that the plan would plat three lots: lot one intended for immediate Family Express construction and lots two and three located adjacent to Turkey Creek. Hus said the town’s initial review flagged a possible wetland area near Turkey Creek and that state rules prohibit wetland delineations in winter. "Family Express has contracted with Soil Solutions," Hus said, and the wetland delineation is scheduled for May 18 so that it can be completed in the growing season.
Hus and the applicants told commissioners that lot one is essentially paved and does not contain the drain easement, while lots two and three lie within proximity of the 75-foot regulated drain easement and therefore would require permits and likely additional review if developed. The applicants requested two waivers at primary: a stormwater-detention waiver to cover all three lots and a frontage waiver limited to lot three because that lot does not abut a public right-of-way.
Commissioners and staff discussed sequencing: the applicants asked the commission to approve primary platting now so lot one can proceed, while secondary approval and any development plans for lots two and three would remain contingent on required permits and the wetland delineation. Town staff said permits are typically applied for when work on a given lot is imminent; the commission indicated it is acceptable to move forward on lot one with secondary approval held until the May 18 delineation is complete.
Parking and access were another focus. Commission members raised a prior concern about existing parking rows near the Grit Fitness building and the proposed location of a dumpster enclosure and car-wash queuing. The applicants proposed striping an adjacent area (at their cost) to create a three-point-turn/avoid-backout area and avoid removing existing parking that serves nearby businesses. The engineering team also discussed coordination with INDOT for Klein Avenue/Route 30 improvements; INDOT permits remain pending and would be required separately for north- and south-side work.
The plan commission asked the applicants to advertise and prepare for an April 6 public hearing on the plat and to return with any outstanding documentation after the May wetland delineation. There were no formal votes recorded on March 16.
Next steps: complete the May 18 wetland delineation, obtain any required permits for lots two and three when development is proposed, and return for the advertised public hearing and subsequent final/secondary approvals as required.
