Michiana Shores council refuses request to buy town lots around 505 El Portal

The Michiana Shores Town Council voted on July 14 to turn down an offer from a local property owner to purchase town‑owned lots surrounding 505 El Portal.

Council member Ralph Box moved to reject the sale, arguing the request raised questions about deed restrictions and the town’s long history of ownership. "I make a motion to turn down his offer and not sell the lots to Mr. Burke," Box said during the meeting. The motion was seconded and carried by a voice vote; the clerk recorded members’ verbal "ayes." The council directed Box to draft a short, formal letter notifying the applicant of the decision.

Councilors said the parcels run behind the applicant’s garage and that the purchaser had described plans for additional parking to support a commercial business (an ice‑cream parlor and related activity were discussed). Several members urged staff to check deed records and historical minutes to confirm whether previous donations or deed restrictions might limit resale. "If there’s a specific restriction, it should have been ordered with the deed," one councilor said, urging staff to review records before any future disposition.

The council discussed procedure: first voting to bring the request to a vote and then taking the final vote to decline the sale. Council members noted that some town parcels had been used or leased for other purposes in the past but said the legal status should be checked in the deed records before any disposition. The council did not specify a dollar figure from the applicant during the public discussion.

The council’s action resolves the request for now; members said staff will follow up with the applicant in writing and may research deed language or historical minutes if necessary.