Council defers to state after disputed Stop 42 beach structure draws resident concern

Council member Tim McCarthy told residents at the May 9 Village of Michiana Council meeting that the Village will step back from enforcement of a structure at Stop 42 while State authorities review the site.

Several residents questioned what residents or the Village could do. Kathleen Hogan Morrison asked whether the Village was taking action and whether residents should contact EGLE; McCarthy said the Village could not direct individual residents and that the village was deferring to the State review. Bill Schutt pointed out that the Village owns roads in the area where the structure stands.

Caroline Rogers, who identified herself as the landowner of the parcel where the structure was built, said she had applied for permits with EGLE and the Building Department and that she did not know she had done anything wrong. When asked whether a State determination in favor of the structure would prompt Village action, McCarthy said he could not answer until the State completes its review.

Building Inspector Bill Lambert told the council the structure had been permitted to a different address than where it was built, creating a permit‑address discrepancy that the Village is tracing.

Lynn and Joel Altschul reiterated strong concern about the beach structure during public comment. The council did not take formal enforcement action at the May 9 meeting and said it will await the State's determination before deciding next steps.

The council’s procedural decision to defer enforcement leaves the matter in the State review stage; residents who raised concerns were told the appropriate State agency had been notified and that the Village was awaiting guidance.