Lake County Plan Commission Meeting - September 17, 2025

The Lake County Plan Commission met on September 17, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. (noted as 11:15:00+00:00 in the instruction) to consider multiple subdivision approvals, zone changes, and study sessions. The meeting also included a lengthy public comment period where numerous residents voiced concerns about a proposed annexation by the Town of St. John and a potential large-scale residential development. The commission approved all new business items unanimously, discussed two study sessions, and took no formal action on the annexation topic beyond committing to monitor the situation.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: The minutes from July were approved as submitted by a unanimous voice vote.
• Site Development Plans Approved by Staff: Three staff-approved site development plans were noted without further discussion: a commercial fence (25-SDP-16 PC), an entrance and parking lot (25-SDP-17 PC), and a bathroom remodel at the Lake County Fairgrounds (25-SDP-18 PC).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rose Kleine (12515 Calumet Avenue, Cedar Lake) expressed strong opposition to the proposed St. John annexation of a 166-acre property, arguing it is a game by the developer to allow a dense development (982 units) on unincorporated land. She questioned the legality of annexation under Indiana Code 36-4-3-4 and noted that adjacent property owners were not notified.
• Denise Rodens (15949 West 121st Avenue, Cedar Lake) echoed concerns about traffic, drainage, schools, and emergency services. She stated that St. John representatives told residents they did not need to involve the county and urged the commission to require St. John to meet county standards before any annexation.
• Kathleen Kerga (11806 West 117th Avenue, Cedar Lake) highlighted traffic dangers on 117th Avenue, citing accidents, and expressed fears that her well water would be compromised. She pleaded for the commission's help.
• Donna Fathge (10729 Maple Lane, St. John) opposed the high density (5-6 units per acre) and warned that if annexed, the development would remain in unincorporated Lake County and become the county's problem.
• Sherry Holt (11707 West 119th Court, Cedar Lake) asked whom residents could talk to about their concerns, stating that St. John council members told them they were not obliged to listen. She worried about traffic (estimated 1,500 additional cars) and the lack of infrastructure.
• Bill Jackson (11632 Cedar Street, Cedar Lake) raised concerns about drainage, the application of data center rules if annexed, and contradictions between proposed wells and 900+ homes. He asked what happens if the two-year annexation delay is not met.
• William Didman (7401 West 92nd Lane) recounted a previous experience with a St. John subdivision where the planning commission bypassed resident input. He argued that St. John should be required to appear before the county plan commission before annexation.
• Sandy O. Jean (15202 113th Avenue, Dyer) stated that the crowd at the meeting was only a fraction of those affected. She described the proposed development as greedy and feared it would create a ghetto.
• Stacey Deming (10683 State Line Road) emphasized the lack of clarity in the annexation process and expressed concern about the two-year delay tactic. She noted traffic on State Line Road is already problematic.
• Matt Bucknowski (14284 West 115th Place, Cedar Lake) criticized St. John's lack of transparency and decorum. He argued that if the true need is water, the town should use its own contiguous property. He urged the commission to prioritize infrastructure before approving such development.
• Vern (last name not given, a frequent attendee) praised the commission staff's hard work and suggested the public should get organized and hire an attorney to fight St. John's actions. He also recommended that more funding be allocated to the plan commission for additional compliance officers.

Discussion Items

• Communications:
  • Plan Commission Website Listing: The commission discussed adding members' names (without contact information) to the county website. Commissioner Tippy and others supported listing names only to avoid direct contact about petitions. A motion was passed unanimously to list only names.
  • Environmental Impact Statement Policy for Data Centers: Executive Director Ned introduced a policy to provide a pre-qualified list of consultants for environmental impact statements required for data center special exceptions. The policy was adopted unanimously.
  • St. John Annexation Discussion: Ned reported on a complaint about activity on a 168-acre property (formerly petitioned for zone change) and subsequent correspondence with the town of St. John. He received a letter from the property manager stating no activity, but later learned of a pending annexation. Commissioner Houston and others noted that any water treatment facility on the property would require a special exception from the plan commission. The commission agreed that the matter is under legal review and no action was taken, but they would monitor developments.
• New Business:
  • 25-FS-04 PC (Lenting Resubdivision): A one-lot resubdivision to correct an encroachment. Staff recommended approval. The commission approved the final plat unanimously.
  • 25-W-05 PC & 25-PS-05 PC (Wille Brothers Subdivision): A waiver for a flag lot and primary approval for a one-lot subdivision for a cement mixing plant. The applicant noted that all agency comments have been addressed, with only INDOT final permit pending. Both items were approved unanimously.
  • 25-ZC-07 PC (Lottes/Vis Zone Change): Request to rezone 7.41 acres from A-1 to RR to allow a single residence. The applicant stated the change would limit the lot to one home, preserving rural character. A neighboring property owner (Patrick Ovachkov) expressed concerns about drainage and water displacement. The commission noted that drainage would be addressed at the plat stage. A favorable recommendation was approved unanimously.
  • 25-ZC-08 PC (Schilling/Skurka Zone Change): Request to rezone a 5-acre parcel from A-1 to R-1 for a one-lot residential subdivision. The applicant explained that neighboring properties have already subdivided, and this is necessary under current rules. No public comments were offered. A favorable recommendation was approved unanimously.
• Study Sessions:
  • 25-SS-02 PC (LHA Properties/Cross Creek Ranch): A study session for an agritourism/agritainment proposal on 94 acres. Attorney Tim Kuiper presented plans for youth clubs, camping, fishing derbies, weddings, and other events. Commissioners expressed strong support, noting it is preferable to residential development and preserves open space. No formal vote; the applicant will submit a special exception application.
  • 25-SS-03 PC (Aaron Hacker - Fill): A study session for an after-the-fact fill permit on 11 acres. The fill was already placed and leveled, and a barn was built. The applicant acknowledged the need for a special exception. Commissioner Emerson asked about drainage review and the county surveyor's role; staff confirmed they will review the as-built survey and drainage impacts before the formal application. No action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Website Listing: Motion passed unanimously to list Plan Commission members' names only on the county website (no contact information).
• Environmental Impact Statement Policy: Motion passed unanimously to adopt the list of pre-qualified consultants for data center environmental impact statements.
• Minutes: Approved as submitted, unanimous.
• 25-FS-04 PC (Lenting Resubdivision): Final plat approved unanimously.
• 25-W-05 PC (Wille Brothers Waiver): Waiver for flag lot approved unanimously.
• 25-PS-05 PC (Wille Brothers Subdivision): Primary subdivision approval granted unanimously.
• 25-ZC-07 PC (Lottes/Vis): Favorable recommendation to County Council for zone change from A-1 to RR, approved unanimously.
• 25-ZC-08 PC (Schilling/Skurka): Favorable recommendation to County Council for zone change from A-1 to R-1, approved unanimously.
• Study Sessions: No formal votes; applicants will proceed with formal special exception applications for agritourism and fill permit.
• St. John Annexation: No action taken. The commission will continue to monitor and awaits formal applications. Residents were advised to organize and hire legal counsel experienced in annexation matters.