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Porter County BZA continues Edge of Liberty farmers-market variance after drainage, permitting concerns
Summary
The Porter County Board of Zoning Appeals continued a use-variance request for the Edge of Liberty farmers market after neighbors raised drainage and flooding concerns and county staff said a development plan, driveway permit and culvert would be required before full approval.
Nancy Calafati, the applicant for a use variance to allow a farmers market and related small agricultural events on a 4.05-acre property south of Lakewoods Terrace, told the Board of Zoning Appeals on July 15 that the site has evolved over a decade into a low-impact community farm and craft space that supports local producers and pollinators.
"We believe this use preserves open space, supports local agriculture, and provides a positive benefit to the community," Calafati said, introducing herself and the application for UV2026-35.
The board heard several supporters and opponents during the public hearing. Longtime participants described the site as a place for seasonal produce, craft fairs and educational opportunities: Dr. Linda Dutlinger, a retired Purdue North Central professor, called the gatherings "low impact community gatherings" that provide income and social connection for vendors. Valparaiso beekeeper Kelly Swart testified that the property provides forage and habitat for pollinators and presents educational value for children.
Neighbor Steve Charnas said changes to the site — including added stone, new buildings and compacted vehicle areas — have increased runoff onto his adjacent mobile home park and described repeated flooding there. "My park gets flooded. It literally goes under the buildings," Charnas said, urging the board to ensure drainage issues are addressed before the variance is approved.
County planning staff told the board the matter came to the department after a drainage complaint and a DRC review on July 2 identified technical concerns: the driveway needs a culvert and adjustment to meet county standards, temporary structures require permits, and mulch placed along the highway right of way raised erosion concerns for the highway department. Staff recommended a development plan showing driveway location, parking, and drainage controls before a final decision.
Board members debated whether to approve the variance with explicit conditions tied to county permits or to continue the item so staff could complete the development-plan review. One board member said approving a use variance without the development plan left the board with "less of a grip on whatever else needs to be done." Another noted the current operation occurs biweekly and called the intensity "limited," but still favored more information on stormwater and driveway work before final action.
A motion to continue ACEUV2026-35 to the board's next scheduled meeting carried by voice vote. Staff told Calafati they would assist with the development-plan process and reiterated that if a variance is eventually granted, separate permits (driveway/culvert, structure permits, and compliance with highway department concerns) would still be required.
The continuation leaves the substantive debate open: supporters emphasized agricultural, community and pollinator benefits, while neighbors and staff flagged unresolved drainage and permitting requirements that the board said should be addressed before final approval.
