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Petitioner seeks B‑3 to I‑1 rezoning at 1106 Merrillville Rd; commissioners debate buffers and facade standards
Summary
A petitioner requested rezoning of a ~52‑acre parcel from B‑3 to I‑1, proposing 20–36 industrial lots and a through‑street to improve traffic flow; commissioners pressed for masonry facades, preservation of old‑growth trees, and right‑of‑way dedication, and the attorney said covenants or zoning commitments could be used for enforcement.
At a workshop the commission reviewed a rezoning proposal (PC 26‑27) from petitioner Zuhdi Aljobeh to change 51.88 acres at 1106 Merrillville Road from B‑3 Business to I‑1 Industrial. Aljobeh said the development would be consistent with surrounding industrial uses, employ rain gardens and native planting for drainage, and create 20–36 lots ranging from 1–4 acres. He also proposed a through‑street connecting Indiana Avenue to Merrillville Road to improve traffic operations; he observed that existing level‑of‑service ratings (C) would improve toward B with the connection.
Commissioners debated design and buffering: Laura Sauerman urged masonry facades consistent with adjacent development, Mike Conquest asked that old‑growth trees be preserved and a dense landscape buffer be installed, and Chad Jeffries asked about who would enforce design standards; Plan Commission Attorney Joe Irak said a Property Owners' Association could enforce covenants and a zoning commitment is possible. No formal vote was taken at the workshop; Commissioner Rohaley had recused himself from this item.
