Michigan City approves $160,000 contract to rewrite zoning for transit corridor

The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission voted June 8 to hire Tool Design in a contract not to exceed $160,000 to update and implement changes to the city's zoning code for the transit development district and Michigan Boulevard.

Redevelopment Director Skyler told the commission the work will be "zoning heavy" and is intended to remove obstacles that currently make mixed-use and upper-story residential projects difficult downtown. Officials said the contract includes public outreach, coordination with the plan commission and city council, and final adoption and implementation steps.

Skyler said the contract will allow the city to pursue a code that supports infill and mixed-use development without requiring variances and repeated board of zoning appeals cases. The work is expected to kick off in July, include a public charrette series, and proceed through plan commission and council readings before being adopted as amendments to the zoning code.

Commissioners were told the $160,000 figure will come from Transit Development District funds, with a possible supplemental grant to offset the cost if available. The commission approved the contract by voice vote.

If adopted, the revised code will be applied immediately in affected areas; staff and the consultant will then proceed with public hearings and the formal city review process required for zoning amendments. The commission said revisions aim to make redevelopment projects more feasible and reduce the need for special variances.