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Residents urge Starke County to preserve Bass Lake fire access as officials weigh gate and enforcement options
Summary
Dozens of Bass Lake-area residents told Starke County commissioners they rely on a long-used Shushki Road fire access for recreation and emergency water; speakers warned that a proposed gated solution could hinder firefighting and reduce property values, while the county said it will seek legal and fire-department guidance before any change.
Dozens of Bass Lake residents packed the commissioners' meeting to oppose any change that would limit public access on the Shushki Road fire access, saying the lane doubles as a firefighting water source and has been used by generations for docks and disabled access.
"Unlike a bigger city, the area in Bass Lake doesn't have any fire hydrants," said Dr. James Garupa, identifying himself as a longtime community member. "In the case of emergencies there's no time to think. If a gate doesn't open in time, the fire can spread and that emergency can turn tragic very quick." Garupa also recalled family and neighbor fires where pump access to the lake water was essential.
Other speakers described decades of responsible use and documented interactions with the neighbor who raised the access concern. "He recorded and took photos of everyone present, including adults, teenagers and children," Joanna said, accusing the neighbor of intimidation and saying residents had asked police to intervene during a recent holiday weekend. She also alleged discriminatory comments toward residents' parents and asked the board not to prioritize one recent purchaser over long-standing users.
Commissioners and staff responded that the access currently remains a county road and appears on INDOT inventory, meaning a gate cannot be erected while it is in the county road inventory. The highway superintendent told the board she will maintain the road and that any removal from the county inventory would require a formal vote and legal steps.
The board said it would not take immediate action to close the access. Commissioners suggested exploring non-gate options such as revised signage, clearer no-parking enforcement or towing rules to address nuisance behavior while preserving emergency access. The chair asked staff to consult the county attorney and the fire chief and to return with options at a properly noticed future meeting.
The meeting record shows strong resident sentiment in favor of preserving public access; commissioners said they were "leaning in" with the community but would document the decision and confirm legal next steps before placing any formal proposal on a future agenda.
The next procedural step is for county staff to consult with legal counsel and the fire director and then bring a recommended approach—signage, towing policy, or formal change to road status—back to a posted meeting for action.
