[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6151349,"mediaKeyId","5502547-6c6005264be2b7088d0d126b5198c758","parentId",5502547,"title","Planning Commission recommends against zoning change for Habitat homes at Christman/Chrisman Road amid contamination and traffic concerns","audioSeconds",1240,"startMs",1015000,"endMs",2255000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5502547-6c6005264be2b7088d0d126b5198c758&start=1015&end=2255","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5502547-6c6005264be2b7088d0d126b5198c758/thumbnail_1015000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6151349/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Planning-Commission-recommends-against-zoning-change-for-Habitat-homes-at-ChristmanChrisman-Road-amid-contamination-and-traffic-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151349-65272d9b5e6a5c0386155f3c22fb18b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085815&Signature=gQNaM1rTW~2xg11cSM-3HeDgNtX15N2mz2dsolb7zCIsdmEcGEDRRiVItw6BjPsfZMAt6GApao3ARQdCtRj4mDOYd5WyTiCZN-wkwmn9IXKSVVdHKiky3i6fQQgJ876wCmr3fjBaK4gmpcR3Wm3EwreOfi2psNmrenkMAFu58pXBK2KIYlLbvKOhKD3Oh-aBpzGpNhqKNzfx02~0VzoFmXo5x8X46rpKjaYtRTb7B9lPVBVCevJLjscze3N2CmG9fedOg~HqEYbKq10OHsLTYJDBbFQc2UzCEXR3J5PzyOqlA2Kcbjr7tYbrI3qz7fn9A~MccdRQFY4IljRy2PMMrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Portage, IN","date","2025-06-02T00:00:00Z","article","Porter County Habitat for Humanity asked the Portage City Planning Commission for a zoning change at 2240 Chrisman Road that would allow the nonprofit to increase density from R-2 (low-density residential) to R-4 (City Core Residential) and build eight single-family homes. After public testimony raised questions about potential contamination at the former Christman School site, traffic, parking for a nearby church and neighborhood infrastructure, the commission voted to forward an unfavorable recommendation to City Council.

Jessica Vargas, president of the Porter County Habitat Board, described the proposal and the nonprofit’s model: “We are petitioning to change from an R-2 to an R-4 ... [to] increase density to allow for 8 houses on the parcel,” and she estimated Habitat’s investment in engineering and infrastructure for the project at “roughly $270,000.” Vargas said typical Habitat homes in Porter County range from about $220,000 (two-bedroom) to $250,000–$260,000 (three-bedroom) in Habitat’s out-of-pocket costs, and that the affiliate expects the completed neighborhood of eight homes to represent roughly $1.9 million in total investment.

Multiple neighbors and property owners opposed the change in public comment, citing health and safety questions tied to the site’s demolition history and buried materials. Roberta Spaljorek said, “There is asbestos. There is lead. I wanna know how this is going to be addressed.” Other speakers raised concerns about an easement that crosses part of subdivision lots, increased traffic at an intersection where drivers already speed past stop signs, the loss of informal parking used by a nearby church and the effect on property values.

City staff and Habitat representatives described the environmental-clearance steps that would be required before Habitat would accept the parcel from the city. Staff said demolition documentation must be verified, and the project will require a Phase I environmental assessment and, if indicated, Phase II borings that would determine whether remediation is needed. Vargas and staff said Habitat will not accept the land from the city if abatement is required and the city is expected to pursue remediation options because Habitat does not have funds to perform municipal-scale abatement.

Commissioners asked about lot size, traffic and the number of houses. Vargas said the site currently could support six houses under existing R-2 zoning and that Habitat is requesting an increase to eight homes to spread infrastructure costs; she said an internal street and cul-de-sac had been considered but would add roughly $300,000 to infrastructure costs. Vargas outlined Habitat’s homeowner selection and sweat-equity program, noting applicants must have lived or worked in Porter County for at least two years and complete required volunteer “sweat equity.”

After discussion, Commissioner motioned for an unfavorable recommendation to City Council on the zoning change; roll-call votes were recorded as follows: Melissa Weidenbach — yes; Brent Wright — no; Sam LaBoy — no; Deb Bridal (Bechdel) — yes; Denise Little — yes; Victoria Vasquez — yes; Alonzo Garcia — yes. The motion carried, sending an unfavorable recommendation to the City Council. The matter will next appear at City Council where final action on the zoning change will be taken.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","COP Planning Commission Mtg 06-02-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Portage City Planning Commission voted to send an unfavorable recommendation to City Council on a request from Porter County Habitat for Humanity to rezone 2240 Chrisman Road from R-2 to R-4 to allow eight houses, after neighbors raised contamination, traffic and parking concerns.","taxTitle","Portage City, Porter County, Indiana","taxId",53966,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6151352,"Portage Planning Commission approves Jenny’s Landing plats contingent on INDOT permit and drainage revisions",154,435000,589000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5502547-6c6005264be2b7088d0d126b5198c758&start=435&end=589","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5502547-6c6005264be2b7088d0d126b5198c758/thumbnail_435000.jpg","/articles/6151352/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Portage-Planning-Commission-approves-Jennys-Landing-plats-contingent-on-INDOT-permit-and-drainage-revisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151352-77f8d4f70bbff3892ab224f83e62564f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085815&Signature=Gdu3NntBele089-d3Iyy8Nr-Jlely6G8jLd1dwMDYPkBrz9c13i4HREzuKNdP9XhroJJOrNS9NWHNb-v0WDYTI3M6FQFbIv6ukjtDXaAbt4VCpce9LsWW2uWSGmofhlY4DeUaKDHLLUVLPAfYfqCF1dmKWjoiNMkSFFGExo-asezYztqjGGd0QWlb-UwZhj2lvSC3m8fbnxxC5zLnOSQu3uYDdODgzDcr~HdeT2IPULgcQCtAUBTgvZ3FfOgL7O55tW5dx83Hp45LreL6RrpZ4kMiVIyQm9LpFGsDABG3bjEI44XMD1ZcvvwkIXOialcojHPo6SwvhJDOsfsTV~F0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Planning Commission approved primary and secondary plats for Jenny’s Landing, a proposed commercial subdivision at 5740 U.S. Highway 6, after the petitioner agreed to conditions tied to Indiana Department of Transportation permits and city drainage standards.

The proposal from Cap Properties LLC, represented by Rich Piazza, seeks an 8-lot commercial division on a 23.68-acre parcel with one outlot reserved for drainage and utility easement. Piazza told the commission the development will have private roadways and that “the entrance to Route 6 for the main thoroughfare will be lined up with the entrance to Aldi’s.”

The commission opened a public hearing and heard no speakers for or against the petition. Commissioners discussed ownership of the roadways and storm and sanitary sewer systems; Piazza confirmed those utilities and the internal roads would be privately owned rather than dedicated to the city.

A motion to approve the primary plat passed with a condition that the petitioner obtain and provide to the planning department the required INDOT permits and submit revised plans showing sumps and catch basins in accordance with the City of Portage standard detail. The commission later approved the secondary plat contingent on INDOT approval and formal approval of the primary plat.

Votes were recorded on roll call: Melissa Weidenbach voted no on the primary and secondary approvals; Brent Wright, Sam LaBoy, Deb Bridal (Bechdel), Denise Little, Victoria Vasquez and Alonzo Garcia voted yes. The public hearing for the item drew no public testimony.

The approvals move the project forward subject to the specified engineering revisions and receipt of INDOT permit documentation; the petitioner and city staff will complete those steps before the plats are recorded or further work proceeds.","The Portage City Planning Commission approved primary and secondary plats for Jenny’s Landing, a proposed 8-lot commercial subdivision at 5740 U.S. Highway 6, contingent on an Indiana Department of Transportation permit and revised engineering showing sumps/catch basins per City of Portage standards.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6151346,"Commission approves Swanson Trails primary plat for 225-lot Lennar development with sanitary contingencies",3583,3598000,7181000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5502547-6c6005264be2b7088d0d126b5198c758&start=3598&end=7181","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5502547-6c6005264be2b7088d0d126b5198c758/thumbnail_3598000.jpg","/articles/6151346/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Commission-approves-Swanson-Trails-primary-plat-for-225-lot-Lennar-development-with-sanitary-contingencies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151346-d1446c7a92a4487bb5c907591326b405/orig.mp4?Expires=1771085815&Signature=Rva3i-LWDPFM3JuE2MU7RoskVDGU8BrWVk~OylM0mn38iJvejs2kHdrDh0a9PnTjqVfZCFc-cEDA4P~FK2dhslTHQPlHyIta-Kliz4kTatxgFQ~OVsY0RUXXFcYH870EEY7jkPtv3sDrJk68gvt4VkHEaQoqhWDgRrIe0QBJzm2~dAvO12uf2usy2pAo0og9bKtJRxUdUoUQAJlf1DchddLRJZgTYE5rrhrLSqhfGwWDOmt71vzZFlTynZHhnzczKzLHfbuNbBVaDDSnt7S7ynIdTycHm960bjhVIsisdOc-~v7FpU~8488bdOXo~vmNaQCrzDOZv1AbhX7Fw3x6Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Planning Commission granted primary-plat approval to Lennar Homes of Indiana’s Swanson Trails planned development, an approximately 80-acre project with 225 lots, while requiring a small set of engineering contingencies related to sanitary infrastructure.

The petitioner, represented by attorney Todd Leath and engineer Trevor Murphy, said the primary plat implements a previously adopted planned-unit development (PUD) zoning ordinance and matches the conceptual plan approved earlier this year. The development shows 225 homes with about 33% open space and preserves roughly two-thirds of an existing tree stand, according to the petitioner’s presentation.

Leath summarized the approval process: “We were here earlier in the year for a PUD rezoning ... Now we have had it engineered ... and we are asking for primary approval of the development plan,” and he said the plat conforms to the previously adopted PD ordinance.

Staff reported nine initial contingencies from the development review and the parties narrowed outstanding technical items to a pair of engineering items (contingencies 5 and 6 on the staff memo) plus a comment from Snyder concerning an off-site force-main air-release valve. The contingencies the commission flagged for resolution before final recording are: verification of downstream sanitary sewer capacity with Portage Utilities; Portage Utilities approval of lift-station design details and calculations; and sanitary department approval of the off-site force-main air release valve design. The petitioner agreed those contingencies were appropriate and could be resolved as a condition of approval.

A motion to approve the primary plat with those contingencies passed on roll-call: Melissa Weidenbach voted no; commissioners Brent Wright, Sam LaBoy, Deb Bechdel (Bridal), Denise Little, Victoria Vasquez and Alonzo Garcia voted yes. The approval advances the engineered subdivision, subject to resolution of the sanitary and related engineering items before final plat recording.","The Planning Commission approved primary plat (development plan) for Swanson Trails, a 225-lot planned development by Lennar on about 80 acres, with engineering contingencies related to downstream sewer capacity, lift-station design and an off-site force-main air release valve.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Commission recommends against zoning change for Habitat homes at Christman/Chrisman Road amid contamination and traffic concerns

Portage Planning Commission approves Jenny’s Landing plats contingent on INDOT permit and drainage revisions

Commission approves Swanson Trails primary plat for 225-lot Lennar development with sanitary contingencies