Hammond City Plan Commission approves two‑lot subdivision at 6525 Indianapolis Blvd. for Dutch Bros. and Chipotle

The Hammond City Plan Commission on a unanimous vote approved CP26‑06, a preliminary and final plat to divide a 1.46‑acre parcel at 6525 Indianapolis Boulevard into two lots for a Dutch Bros. drive‑thru and a Chipotle restaurant.

Greg Lorch, a surveyor and engineer with DVG Team, told the commission the developer, CLD Holdings LLC, proposed a north and south lot split so each fast‑casual chain could occupy its own parcel. "The existing 1.46 acre property is proposed to be subdivided into a north lot and a south lot, which would serve a Dutch Bros. Coffee and Chipotle restaurant respectively," Lorch said. He described a shared central drive, new sidewalks, curbs, storm sewer work, utilities, lighting and landscaping.

Staff recommended approval. Mr. Poland, speaking for planning staff, told commissioners the plat meets the standards in the subdivision control ordinance and recommended preliminary and final approval subject to technical corrections, completion of the sale, recording by the new owner, and recording a cross‑access easement and an appropriate release of easement on the adjacent Taco Bell property. "Staff's opinion is that the plat meets the requirements set forth in the subdivision control ordinance," Mr. Poland said.

Commissioners concentrated on technical and title concerns rather than land‑use policy. They asked whether an adjacent strip of property between the site and 165th Street might be acquired later and whether that would be added to one of the new lots; Lorch said acquisition remains uncertain and a replat would be required if the railroad strip were later added. Commissioner Boland cautioned that a future replat could create a confusing lot‑numbering sequence and suggested swapping lot numbers in the final plat to avoid naming conflicts.

The petition also involves legacy easements tied to the existing Petro's restaurant that encroach onto the Taco Bell parcel. Lorch said the petitioner will prepare title documents and seek an appropriate release of those easements so the new plat can be recorded. He noted an existing sanitary sewer easement running north‑south through the east side of the property that the project may be allowed to drain into.

The commission opened a public hearing and solicited in‑person and online comment; no members of the public spoke for or against the petition. Commissioner Michael Dye moved to grant preliminary and final approval subject to staff conditions; Commissioner Thomas Kasmierczak seconded. The commission voted nine ayes, zero nays and passed the motion. A subsequent motion to adopt the staff report as findings of fact passed by the same unanimous tally.

Lorch told the commission the petitioner, Corey Dettmer of CLD Holdings, could not attend because of a family death and that the petitioner anticipated closing on the property around July 1; recording of the plat would follow closing. Commissioners asked staff to convey condolences to the petitioner.

The planning staff also reported agency review status: NIPSCO and the water utility did not respond to the review, and Astound acknowledged receipt with no comment. Staff said they will require the technical corrections and recorded documents before plat recording.

The commission noted the next meeting is scheduled for July 20 to consider another subdivision. The meeting adjourned after no public comments were offered.