Developer seeks two-lot subdivision on Route 30; requests stormwater waiver and details sewer access

Engineer Doug Redig of DVG Team Inc. presented a proposed two-lot subdivision for R & J Construction/Premier Window Systems along Route 30 during the Schererville Town planning commission study session on Feb. 2.

Redig said the applicant (owners Ronald and Joanne Lewis) bought two parcels and intends to make Lot 1 the location of the existing building and Lot 2 a vacant parcel for future sale. "We're calling this premier edition... they have an existing business on Route 30," he said. Redig reported that the survey and wetlands delineation have been completed.

A central technical issue is stormwater detention. Redig asked whether the commission would consider a waiver of stormwater detention — especially for Lot 1, which is substantially developed — to make Lot 2 more buildable. "One of the things I wanna talk about tonight is, drainage, and whether or not the plan commission would consider maybe a waiver for stormwater detention to make that Lot 2 a little bit more buildable," he said. Commissioners discussed options including routing drainage into an existing drainage way that already serves as an informal watershed and adding water-quality features such as filter strips prior to release.

Redig also described sanitary-sewer constraints: the existing building is on septic; there is a platted easement to a manhole at the nearby cul-de-sac (Taylor Court) but routing will require a pump/ejector and some directional boring beneath a ditch. He said the water main runs across the front of the property and can serve the site. Redig emphasized the current filing seeks primary-plat approval only; site plans (including the proposed garage on Lot 1 and any sign work) will be addressed at the site-plan stage.

Commissioners asked about building-line encroachment and nonconforming use for the existing structure. Redig acknowledged the building encroaches on the 50-foot Route 30 building line and offered options (a reduced building line for Lot 1 or addressing the matter at site plan/primary plat), while commissioners cautioned against creating a permanent nonconformity that could cause future lending or compliance issues.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the subdivision or any waivers during the study session. Redig said the applicant will return to the commission for primary-plat review next month and for site-plan approval later.

Next steps: applicant to revise the plat to show any needed easements and clarify building-line treatment; the commission will review the primary plat at a future meeting.