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Residents press Town of Pines on NIPSCO properties, zoning enforcement and EPA testing
Summary
During public comment at the Aug. 7 meeting residents asked about NIPSCO-owned properties, trailers and zoning enforcement, requested speed mitigation and urged environmental retesting; councilors said several matters will be referred to the town attorney and staff will obtain surveys and follow up.
Multiple residents used the Town of Pines meeting on Aug. 7 to press officials about property, safety and environmental concerns. Council members said several of those items will be handled with the town attorney.
An unnamed resident from Florida Avenue asked about properties owned by NIPSCO and the council said the subject will be part of upcoming discussions with the town lawyer. Alan Murray of 1629 Colorado raised several enforcement issues — dogs running at large on 2nd Place, trailers on properties, the status of a root cellar, questions about DNA Auto and concerns about Railroad Ave. Phil Orlando said those topics will be brought to the attorney and that some properties will require surveys. On a related zoning question, Phil noted that business-zoned properties may be governed by different rules than residential parcels.
David Joyner asked whether a previously installed speed bump on Central Ave could be reinstalled and raised broader speeding concerns along Route 12; James Prast said the sheriff had recently conducted speed enforcement in the area. Kent Verhage asked when the online codebook will be updated; Janice Lowe said she is working with Shawn and Municode to provide access soon. Loukia Verhage asked about website updates and also reminded residents to register to vote.
Alex of 2nd Place complained that someone approached him aggressively after the last meeting; James Prast said that conduct should stop. Cathi Murray urged the board to support EPA-related work in the town, asked that responsible parties permit retesting and access to data, advised residents on discreet sampling methods and recommended retesting properties even if testing was done previously; she provided contact information for a source who has been responsive on the issue. Phil Orlando said he will meet the attorney on Aug. 13 to begin work on ongoing town issues.
On building-and-zoning items, Phil reported a sinkhole forming near storage units on state property and said he will meet the state contact in about a week. Rob said he will provide fill to repair a hole by Pines Bible Church on town property. Staff reported three permits (1685 Alabama for a shed; 1617 Hickory for reroofing; 1517 Walnut for reroofing) and noted a property at 12 and Countyline has been vacated and posted with a no-trespassing order.
The council did not take formal votes during the meeting; several items were placed for follow-up with the town attorney and public works staff.
