Logansport City Council approves housing plan for Peak Community Services development

During the Logansport Common Council meeting on April 8, 2025, significant discussions centered around a proposed housing development in partnership with Peak Community Services. The council addressed the transfer of nine city-owned lots to Peak Community Services for the construction of a group home and duplexes aimed at providing housing for individuals with special needs.

The meeting highlighted the historical context of the land involved. The lots, originally acquired by the city in 1913, include four that were gifted with a restrictive covenant mandating their use as a park. However, the council has received a resolution from the parks department to decommission Dunwoody Park, allowing for the repurposing of these lots for housing development. The plan includes building one group home for six residents and one duplex for eight, with potential future plans for additional duplexes, which could increase capacity to a total of 30 residents.

Council members emphasized the economic benefits of the project, noting that Peak Community Services employs over 200 people in Logansport and that the development could create 13 additional jobs with an estimated payroll of $467,000. This development is seen as a way to address housing shortages while also contributing to the local economy.

However, concerns were raised by residents regarding traffic congestion in the area. Local residents expressed worries about the already congested streets, particularly Eighteenth Street and Mile Street, which are narrow and often crowded with parked cars. Residents fear that the addition of a group home and duplexes could exacerbate these issues, especially with the anticipated use of a 15-passenger van for transporting clients.

The council acknowledged these concerns and indicated that they would consider traffic implications as the project moves forward. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further engage with the community and address the residents' concerns as the development process continues. The council's decision to proceed with the resolution marks a significant step towards enhancing housing options for vulnerable populations in Logansport while balancing community needs.