Plan Commission recommends small day program for young adults with disabilities at 3806 Gallatin Way

The Elkhart City Plan Commission on June 1 voted unanimously to recommend that the common council approve a major amendment to the Remington Park Planned Unit Development to permit a small day program for young adults with disabilities at 3806 Gallatin Way.

Staff presented petition 26-PA-03 under section 20110(b)(3) of the city zoning ordinance and said the amendment would allow a newly created mezzanine of about 1,750 square feet above existing office space, with three gathering areas, an installed lift for second-floor access, and restrooms directly below the new space. Staff recommended approval, saying there would be no exterior modifications, a low volume of additional traffic, and no discernible impact to surrounding properties; the staff report noted 14 notices were mailed to nearby owners and none were returned.

Richard Levanter, who identified himself as president of Levanter Products and Levanter Realty and the petitioner, said the program is intended to serve his two sons plus two additional clients and would be staffed by four to five caregivers. "I know I can make it work for my son," Levanter said, describing the proposal as a temporary, small-scale starter program while he pursues longer-term funding and a more suitable facility. On accessibility he added, "My son is in a wheelchair, so we will be putting in a lift for it." Levanter described the program’s focus as life skills—practical math and reading through real-life scenarios, food preparation and kitchen safety, personal hygiene and targeted support for bathroom independence.

Commission members asked questions about other uses in the building and the petitioner clarified that the existing operation is primarily wholesale and warehouse with approximately 45 employees and no active manufacturing on site. Staff reiterated the proposed use would not change the parcel’s exterior or operating hours and would be temporary until a long-term residential or academic-style facility is found.

After discussion Mr. Osborne moved and Mr. Newell seconded a motion to forward the petition to the common council with a "do pass" recommendation. The roll-call vote recorded unanimous "yes" votes from Osborne, Newell, Jones, Lawson, Murray and Schaefer.

The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Elkhart City Common Council for final action; no final council decision was recorded at the June 1 meeting.