Cedar Lake Plan Commission Work Session Meeting Minutes

Call To Order:

Mr. Kiepura called the Plan Commission Work Session to order on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6:00 pm with its members attending on-site. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.

Roll Call:

Members Present via Zoom: None

Members Present On-Site: Chuck Becker; Greg Parker; Robert Carnahan; Pete Swick; James Hunley; Jerry Wilkening, Vice President; and John Kiepura, President. A quorum was attained.

Also present: Luke Sherry, Town Engineer; David Austgen, Town Attorney; Ben Eldridge, Town Manager; Tim Kubiak, Director of Operations; Cheryl Hajduk, Recording Secretary

Absent: None

Old Business:

1. 2025-27 – M&L Adventures, LLC – Rezone and Preliminary Plat

Mr. Kiepura commented the first order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting a rezone of the property and Preliminary Plat for a one-lot subdivision.

Attorney Nathan Vis on behalf of M&L Adventures, along with Mr. Ryan Torrenga from Torrenga Engineering commented they are moving toward:

• rezoning the property entirely to B3 zoning for consistency along 133rd Avenue, with a focus on resolving critical drainage issues to enable Starbucks’ development this year.
• Mr. Vis emphasized the simplification of the project from a planned unit development to a single-lot subdivision, with the rezone filed on December 1st and preliminary plat approval pending.
  • Significant progress has been made on site plans and engineering drawings, with drainage being the primary remaining hurdle.
  • The detention pond size was increased slightly to better manage water flow on site.
  • Starbucks chose this site as one of 100 locations nationwide for 2026 development, adding urgency to approvals.

Mr. Torrenga explained the site’s main challenge is managing off-site water flowing from the west and south into a low-lying depressional area requiring detention, swales, and overflow control to prevent neighboring flooding.

• Recent calculations show the site can handle off-site water without worsening existing conditions.
• Minor plan cleanups like alignment and width corrections have been completed.
• Mr. Sherry noted some outstanding drainage questions, including incomplete photometric data, which must be resolved within two weeks to avoid deferral.
  • The drainage issue is major, while photometric concerns are significant but less critical.
• The rezone to B3 zoning was initially intended for municipal consistency, though Mr. Kubiak argued the building’s intended uses (office, restaurant, dance studio) align better with B2 zoning.
  • The commission agreed to proceed with B2 zoning due to the building’s nature and tenant types.
  • The building design is a strip mall style, not suited for typical B3 uses like service stations or body shops.
• The Starbucks drive-through includes three plus parking spots with stacking capacity exceeding requirements, which is seen as a positive feature for traffic flow.
• Ongoing coordination with the railroad and Senator Todd Young’s office aims to address maintenance of drainage culverts to improve water flow south of the site and reduce flooding risks in the adjacent neighborhood.
• Final drainage calculations and photometric plans need to be completed and approved before the next meeting, with the BZA meeting on the monument sign scheduled at the Board of Zoning meeting, which may affect photometric requirements.

Mr. Gelatka commented the maximum number of businesses anticipated in the building is about seven, based on known tenant spaces, to avoid open-ended usage that could create issues.

• The Commission stressed the importance of resolving all outstanding engineering and photometric details within the next two weeks to keep the project on track for 2026 development.

2. 2025-37 – Quick Run Gas Station

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting Site Plan review for a two-lot subdivision.

Mr. Max Jeske, DVG, representing Shamir Manhani, 1155 Troutwine Road, Crown Point, IN.

Mr. Sherry commented the project is in good shape with preliminary plat approval already granted and no major outstanding issues ahead of final plat approval expected next month.

Mr. Kubiak indicated no significant concerns with the site plan or public notifications, suggesting a smooth path to final approval.

New Business:

1. 2025-34 – Pinto Concrete/Serrano – Site Plan Waiver

Mr. Kiepura commented the first order of new business is for Petitioner is requesting a Site Plan approval.

Mr. Luis Serrano, 1927 Spruce Cir., Munster, IN 46321 presented requests for site plan approval for concrete company operations including vehicle parking.

Mr. Kubiak commented the building at 12644 Wicker Avenue, rectifying prior noncompliance after a red tag was issued.

Mr. Serrano confirmed using the back area for parking 10 to 12 trucks currently, with employees parking cars in front.

• The back lot is gravel with some milling material, similar to neighboring lots.
• Commissioners expressed concern about lack of screening and fencing along the south property line adjacent to residential lots, recommending a six-foot fence with privacy slats be installed or upgraded.
• Mr. Serrano agreed to inspect and upgrade fencing as needed to meet code and reduce neighbor impact.
• The commission imposed a maximum of 20 vehicles allowed in the back parking area to prevent overuse or storage.
• Lighting may be added for security but requires building department approval to meet ordinance standards.
• The public alley adjacent to the property remains undeveloped; vacation of this alley would require formal request.
• The commission is supportive if fencing and screening concerns are addressed and parking limits are maintained.

2. 2025-44 – Culler – Preliminary Plat

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of new business is for Petitioner is requesting a Preliminary Plat for the Winding Creek Subdivision.

Attorney Nathan Vis appeared on behalf of Joshua Culler, 12632 Wicker Avenue, Cedar Lake, and the other affected property owners (the Vespas, Seams, and Wards). In December of 2025, the Commission determined the amendment should be treated as a major change requiring a preliminary plat process and public hearing. No changes have occurred to the property or the proposal since December. The adjustment resolves a longstanding irregular lot configuration; all affected property owners are in agreement.

Mr. Kubiak commented there are no utilities or public infrastructure involved — the affected lots are essentially within adjacent private backyards.

Mr. Sherry noted that a couple of drainage easements will be retained, which he confirmed is sufficient.

3. 2025-46 – Storsafe of Cedar Lake

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of new business is for Petitioner is requesting driveway connection to Osborne Street to Storsafe of Cedar Lake.

Ms. Nicole Bjan, DVG Team, appeared on behalf of Storsafe of Cedar Lake. The petitioner requested conceptual review of a proposed new driveway connection from Osborne Street (southern end of Lakeview Business Park) into the Storsafe property. Two new storage buildings have recently been constructed at the rear of the site, and the Osborne Street connection would improve traffic circulation and reduce left-turn movements from U.S. 41. Osborne Street currently terminates at the Storsafe property line. The proposed driveway would be approximately 24 feet wide (12 feet in, 12 feet out) with tapers matching the existing pavement. A gated entrance — consistent with the existing card-access gate on U.S. 41 — would be installed. The Lakeview Business Park road network also connects to Alexander Street, providing an additional route to 141st Street.

The Commission expressed general conceptual support for the connection.

Mr. Jack Huls, DVG, commented we would like an entrance point to Storsafe and a stormwater concern was noted: an existing detention area on the east portion of the property was originally designed as part of the Lakeview Business Park detention system and may require engineering review as the site develops further and indicated the detention pond at Lakeview Business Park covers the east two-thirds of the Storsafe site.

4. 2025-47 – Wedding Development – Site Plan

Mr. Ryan Torrenga of Torrenga Engineering, 907 Ridge Road, Munster, appeared on behalf of the Petitioner. Owner Casey Wedding was also present. The project proposes a single industrial building (concrete business) with front parking. Stormwater is managed through the existing Lakeview Business Park detention pond.

Mr. Sherry commented he recently received and the engineer reported most outstanding items are minor clerical corrections or requests for additional information.

Mr. Sherry commented the primary unresolved issue is whether curb and gutter are required for the parking lot. Town Engineer stated it is a requirement for parking lots. The petitioner noted that an existing building at the park (Seal Tight) was constructed without curb and gutter.

Mr. Kubiak acknowledged uncertainty about whether it is required under the PUD agreement or the zoning ordinance and committed to researching the matter if curb and gutter is required.

Mr. Austgen noted that if curb and gutter is required under the PUD agreement, the petitioner would need to request a variance through a public hearing process. The Commission expressed a general preference for consistency throughout the business park but deferred a final determination pending staff research. The Commission also cautioned against relying on future development plans to justify omitting infrastructure now.

Mr. Torrenga commented new swales will be created to go in by the property and by the north side of the building.

5. 2025-48 – Barbara Littles Salon – Site Plan Approval

Mr. Kiepura commented the next order of old business is for Petitioner is requesting Site Plan approval to move hair salon to an attached garage at their home.

Mr. and Mrs. Barbara Littles, 9602 W. 135^th Place, Cedar Lake, IN presented request to move her hair salon to an attached garage at their home.

• Because the business is classified as a commercial use, a site plan waiver is required before the Plan Commission, and a variance is required before the Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Operations: Ms. Littles operates solo by appointment only, serving one to two clients at a time — a maximum of three cars would be an unusually busy situation. Customers would park in the existing two-bay asphalt driveway. No exterior signage on the structure is planned; petitioner indicated a magnetic sign on the metal garage door is being considered.
• Physical modifications: State cosmetology board requires the salon to be fully partitioned from the living space. Minor interior work (wall partition, possible window replacement) is needed. Petitioner is considering adding an accessible overhead door entry to accommodate elderly clients.
• Sewer rate: Mr. Carnahan noted that the Clerk-Treasurer’s office advised that operating a home business increases the sewer rate from approximately $48/month to $100.80/month. Ms. Littles confirmed awareness and stated she currently pays at least that amount between the salon and home bills combined.
• The Commission expressed no substantive concerns, noting the property has mature arborvitae screening, a large asphalt driveway, and low-impact operations. Approval is subject to the outcome of the BZA variance hearing the following evening.

Letters of Credit:

1. Crown Point Community School Corporation – Notice of Cancellation for Letter of Credit set to expire on February 19, 2026 in the amount of $312,389.00

Town Engineer Mr. Sherry reported that the letter of credit should not be allowed to expire. A letter of comment was sent months ago with outstanding items; a resubmittal was received approximately two days prior and is under review. The Commission noted that a significant portion of the bonded amount covers a water main installation on the school site, which requires conversion to a maintenance bond for a three-year maintenance period once the work is accepted. The Commission directed Town Manager Eldridge to contact Skillman (the school corporation’s engineer) and request their attendance at the January 21, 2026 meeting to address the outstanding items and establish a timeline for completion or bond extension.

2. Centennial Estates Phase 1 – Maintenance Letter of Credit set to expire February 15, 2026. Recommendation of Town Engineer to allow Letter of Credit to expire

Town Engineer Mr. Sherry reported that the developer completed all required items. Staff recommendation is to allow the maintenance letter of credit to expire by its terms at the end of the maintenance period.

The Commission discussed the status of Rose Garden Subdivision punch list items, which were due within 90 days (approximately January 9, 2026). Town Engineer Luke reported that the developer submitted a comment response letter around Christmas and made substantial progress on concrete replacement — approximately 95% complete, with the equivalent of roughly 200 yards of concrete replaced. Outstanding items deferred to spring include an asphalt path and repair of sinkholes around storm sewers. Director of Operations Kubiak and the Commission believe the deadline given was actually six months, not 90 days; staff was directed to confirm the actual deadline on record. All performance bonds have been renewed for one year, and the Town’s financial security is in place.

King Drive / Summer Winds (ponding concerns):

A resident concern about flooding on King Drive was raised. Mr. Kubiak explained that the final asphalt coat has not yet been installed, leaving storm drain basins approximately 1.5 inches below finished grade. Temporary silt baskets remain in place. Ponding near storm drains is a temporary condition that dissipates within hours and is not indicative of a drainage failure. The situation is expected to be resolved upon completion of the final asphalt course.

Tabled:
2023-18 Bay Bridge
2023-19 Founders Creek
2023-20 Red Cedars

Public Comment:

None was had.

Adjournment:

Mr. Kiepura adjourned the meeting at 7:27 pm.