Change opens door to multi-family units
After recommendation, construction ordinance repealed after 8 years
Merrillville Town Council repealed an 8-year-old ordinance that limited new construction of multi-family dwellings, paving the way for possible future developments of duplexes, townhouses and apartment complexes throughout the town.
“The town needs to build what people are looking for. Duplexes and town homes seem to be very popular,” Council President Rick Bella, D-5th, said at the meeting Tuesday.
In 2012, council members voted in favor of an equal distribution ordinance, which created a 3,000-foot buffer zone around existing multi-family dwellings. The ordinance was passed after then 5th Ward Councilwoman Chrissy Barron said there were too many large apartment complexes and other multiple-family units in that ward.
As a result of that council’s action, future councils and plan commissions couldn’t vote to rezone any property within that buffer to allow for new multifamily developments.
The ordinance did not affect land already zoned for that use, however. Town Attorney Joseph Svetanoff said he was asked by the council to analyze the law and found a number of statutory deficiencies.
“If challenged, the ordinance could be struck down,” Svetanoff said in recommending that the ordinance be repealed in its entirety.
In other matters, the council approved a $75 nonrefundable application fee for police officer and reserve officer positions. The fee could be waived if it proved to be a financial hardship for the applicant. All fees will go toward
continuing education in the department.
Councilman Jeffrey Minchuk reported that several actions are being taken at Stefek Park to address residents’ concerns about activities there.
Minchuk said the Merrillville Conservancy District is installing a lift station where the old basketball court was, a wall that has been scribbled with graffiti is coming down with the land there to be graded and landscaped, and both the north and south sides of the park will receive additional lighting.
“It will be easier to police and to be seen,” Minchuk said.
He said there also would be additional police presence at the park.
Police Chief Wiley Luther Cuttino on Tuesday said the Northwestern Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council indicated it will have workers doing remodeling at the north side police station this week, beginning on Monday and probably finishing on Friday.
He said all the work will be donated to the town by the tradespeople.
The station will be located in the shopping plaza at 5474 Broadway, the same place where a north station was previously located before being closed.