[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6593209,"mediaKeyId","5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653","parentId",5516740,"title","Commission approves amended plat for Luke Oil convenience store and gas station; neighbor voices environmental and safety concerns","audioSeconds",1168,"startMs",2792000,"endMs",3960000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653&start=2792&end=3960","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653/thumbnail_2792000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6593209/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Commission-approves-amended-plat-for-Luke-Oil-convenience-store-and-gas-station-neighbor-voices-environmental-and-safety-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6593209-ca936c2dd6d19e36d448adbc57ec8be6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998796&Signature=mg5Wf68kSJiKLEZt~3FVCb20ZsVXAc~aRbmRNM1pP3r9u2~yskCWPJPwl-NaufACYedGYv8qjV0VMKRcR~Cd3s8viIAwUSDZTk38zIhOpWou0D8Jf3qZkkWotVevN1NgUan0yweta36KAazc0cr7TBJ0WeZc33int7rtdLFZ9RGrX90m~v5g4wGRA44kppSZ9r7fmb-YLBUhMOroQr8ez2UnuNkha1h1P8lNQkknqUzR3WImPDkhM9du~gaHBGcsc-KMprZwRuSG0Uno~LbZSg2y6TRpEsvaa6MG1wB~TI-VsrkdeNUO7q5DFrw2eKi~X~zhTNWFgCg9JWtzkQNNUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Portage, IN","date","2025-04-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Portage City Planning Commission approved an amended primary plat April 7 that formalizes a recordable cross-access agreement and creates a non-buildable outlot to provide overflow/shared parking for a planned Luke Oil convenience store and fuel station at 6375 Central Avenue.

Dan Turzmann of Luke Land LLC presented the amendment for P-03-24, explaining that the revised plat creates an outlot in the southwest corner to accommodate shared overflow parking with an adjacent shopping center. The amended plat also incorporates recording of a previously approved sanitary-easement vacation; Turzmann told the commission those easement and cross-access documents would be noted on the recorded plat.

During the public hearing, Maria Figueroa, who said she lives at 6345 Defiance Avenue directly behind the site, registered formal opposition. Figueroa cited concerns about environmental impacts (possible fuel leaks and emissions), increased traffic and idling, effects on property values, noise from deliveries and late-night activity, and a perceived change to neighborhood character. She urged the commission to locate fuel facilities in commercial or industrial zones rather than immediately adjoining residences.

Dan Turzmann and counsel responded by noting the hearing before the commission concerned the plat and recording items; the use for a fuel station had been previously considered and the applicant said the proposal uses modern underground storage systems with triple-lined tanks and interstitial monitoring to reduce leak risk. Turzmann described a proposed expanded tree buffer and detention pond at the rear of the site and said the former Beef Mart building on the site would be demolished and replaced by landscaped green space adjacent to the residences. He said there would be no deliveries routed to the rear of the site and that lighting plans use lower bollard fixtures and a photometric plan to prevent light spill into adjacent backyards.

The applicant stated projected store hours for this Luke location would be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., not 24-hour operation, and confirmed there would not be a car wash at this location. Commissioners asked about lighting, buffering, and whether the sanitary-easement vacation and cross-access agreement would be recorded; staff and the applicant said recording those documents was required as a condition of plat approval. The commission’s motion to approve the amended primary plat (P-03-24) carried on a roll-call vote with all commissioners present voting yes (Brent Wright; Carissa Childers; Sam LaBoy; Deb [name recorded variously]; Denise Little; John Kremke).

The approval language required recording the cross-access agreement and the release/termination of the sanitary easement in conjunction with the plat. No additional special conditions (such as hours restrictions beyond the applicant’s statement) were imposed at the hearing; those operational items are typically addressed through permitting and building plan review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","COP Planning Commission Mtg 04-07-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission approved an amended primary plat April 7 to accommodate a Luke Oil convenience store and gas station at 6375 Central Avenue, while a nearby resident raised environmental and safety concerns during the public hearing.","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},6593213,"Planning commission approves Drive and Shine car-wash plats and site plan with contingencies",1653,1253000,2906000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653&start=1253&end=2906","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653/thumbnail_1253000.jpg","/articles/6593213/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Planning-commission-approves-Drive-and-Shine-car-wash-plats-and-site-plan-with-contingencies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6593213-18cac181546897de2899e7b70917556a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998796&Signature=SxP1imRAcZ-7Z1rfiGPiCmpGV5Ukgx64UjKUiTfgHPaFEgNx74A7IOQQfRHi3WNExnb9QE3aesK5GFKXV82ecRGR6pMHJKS3yp~voAGhf2t45LvD9R6dN8GMw~r0~YN4dgnGGPh~OWEfpflj4s~XXYYKm6EY~PC3A7OyqcKRzNeSeYjr5JgWpHnqS8bc-AE3ognQT1FQ0hAUOEfFbJaEGZZvesdh7ENuYXwlsKfDRbOqjyM5lbl5qZ6HL92VFbtv~fOzy6RWIEu1gUsd73BLRatFNXvanGIyt08NapmmzYOsN~jXka3rNoBDNjHO6pYHu-OqoRfX0pIorQTl45vZiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Planning Commission approved primary and secondary plats and site-plan approval for a Drive and Shine car-wash development at 5870 U.S. Highway 6 on April 7, subject to contingencies that include a final reciprocal access agreement with the adjacent business and INDOT approval for work affecting the Route 6 right-of-way.

Greg Lorig of DVG Team presented on behalf of Drive and Shine, describing a plan to combine six existing parcels into two lots (one to house the car wash and one to remain with the seller), to construct an indoor and outdoor vacuum area, a payment kiosk, concrete pavement, and a detention pond at the rear of the site. Lorig said Drive and Shine proposes a high-end design that includes indoor vacuum glass, a snow-melt system at the entrance/exit, water reclamation, and masonry facades; he said the operator treats indoor vacuum access as a membership-controlled feature.

Commissioners asked about the car-wash technology (brushless vs. brush); the applicant said an operations manager was on standby and the exact technical details could be confirmed later. Commissioners also raised sight-line concerns for landscaping along Route 6; the applicant said landscape selections could be adjusted to preserve sight distance and that the planned monument sign sits closer to the intersection than the plantings discussed.

Staff and the applicant identified the two contingencies the commission placed on approvals: (1) a final reciprocal access agreement (reciprocal access/ shared-access driveway) executed and recorded with the neighboring property owner, and (2) INDOT approval for improvements in the Route 6 right-of-way (including any signal timing or permit items). The commission’s motion to approve the primary plat (P-01-25), the secondary plat, and the site plan (SP-02-25) carried on roll-call votes with affirmative votes from all commissioners present.

On the primary-plat presentation Lorig said Drive and Shine will preserve as many trees as possible around the detention pond and add buffering plantings next to residential interfaces. He told the commission the team had been working with city staff (Dina, Tom and others) and Great Lakes Engineering to address comments and that a draft reciprocal access agreement had been provided and was under final negotiation between attorneys.

The approvals include a requirement that the petitioner submit the final reciprocal access agreement and INDOT permit documentation to the city before recording. The commission recorded the motion as approved with all members voting yes (Brent Wright; Carissa Childers; Sam LaBoy; Deb [name recorded variously]; Denise Little; John Kremke).","The Portage Planning Commission approved primary and secondary plats and site-plan approvals for a Drive and Shine car wash at 5870 U.S. Highway 6, subject to a final reciprocal access agreement and INDOT approval and recording requirements; the approvals passed unanimously.",{"_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},6593219,"Planning commission backs rezoning of 84.3-acre parcel at Airport Road and U.S. 6 for mixed commercial and multifamily use",994,317000,1311000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653&start=317&end=1311","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653/thumbnail_317000.jpg","/articles/6593219/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Planning-commission-backs-rezoning-of-843-acre-parcel-at-Airport-Road-and-US-6-for-mixed-commercial-and-multifamily-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6593219-11b56f43499e27d19fa61150d1db5e1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998796&Signature=HhTp6lQb2UgtwlvMAofFAOfrKYAdGcEsY0Xlvw4GpPQ91k318quDCcvijJ56HDpzU~CWqCx5o71FbNP6camtkFEg7tjAVib94SWMxmluk0zYrlBmVOPIpv1pTlck7jWQa0s4GjL~fM5JXZDTI0iYmGkuPBI~mhcBo2GK5Eal~um-eNSsSXyvG5vHetQ1h7Bff7O~7SU2PaQm~2MyYQZpxBtot1afKMhg9uob2lVWWOlUYLDCGX6SjvMLnK4bw3HFEF47g97NT2LNIxPrSnJb7~54cWhogyWkjC0BCYJ1J-kLAMkMopYzIqOYaX55XrCvdDBQWpvWg7zNb3y6dyvpLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Planning Commission voted unanimously April 7 to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council for a rezoning request that would change an 84.299-acre parcel at the south-east corner of Airport Road and U.S. Highway 6 from R-1 (very low residential) to a combination of C-2 (medium/large commercial) and M-2 (multifamily residential).

The request, filed as Z-02-25 by SimonCRE (care of Tyler Beak), was presented by an applicant representative who identified himself as Mohammed, who explained the developer’s plan to reserve roughly 40 acres for commercial uses along Route 6 and the remaining area for higher-density residential uses to the south. “We want that to be C-2 commercial, and the rest 40 acres would be for M-2, high density, residential,” Mohammed said during the public hearing.

The commission’s favorable recommendation closes the local review step for the zoning change and sends the proposal to the City Council for final action. Commission discussion referenced the Portage comprehensive plan and prior development patterns along this corridor; a speaker who said they had previously served on the commission urged commissioners to support a commercial district at the north end with transitional zoning between the commercial area and existing single-family neighborhoods to the south.

Mohammed acknowledged the project is at an early, conceptual stage for tenants and said the project team is still negotiating site details; he said the applicant has not yet finalized tenants for the outlots and anchor buildings along Route 6. He also indicated that visual materials were available to staff and that a team member (Tyler) was available by phone to answer detailed site questions.

During the hearing commissioners asked whether a major retail anchor was already signed; Mohammed said none of the outlots beyond the proposed anchor were leased at the time of the meeting. Commissioners also discussed whether the proposed M-2 portion would provide an appropriate transition to existing single-family zoning to the south.

Commissioner Brent Wright moved to recommend approval to the City Council for the zoning change as presented; the motion received a second and carried on a roll-call vote with all six commissioners present voting yes (Brent Wright; Carissa Childers; Sam LaBoy; Deb [name recorded variously in the minutes]; Denise Little; John Kremke). The Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation; the City Council will make the final zoning determination at a later date.

The application was recorded on the Planning Commission agenda as Z-02-25, parcel ID 64-06-124-000-016.

Next steps: the matter will be scheduled for City Council consideration; the commission did not impose additional conditions in its recommendation beyond the normal review and permit processes that follow a successful rezoning.","Portage City Planning Commission voted to recommend the City Council approve a rezoning request by SimonCRE (care of Tyler Beak) to change an 84.299-acre parcel from R-1 (very low residential) to C-2 (medium/large commercial) and M-2 (multifamily residential); the commission’s recommendation was unanimous and will advance to the City Council.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6593198,"Commission tables Cap Properties rezoning petition to May 5 meeting",50,270000,320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653&start=270&end=320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653/thumbnail_270000.jpg","/articles/6593198/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Commission-tables-Cap-Properties-rezoning-petition-to-May-5-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6593198-8a19929ac20bf4845804d69d2d6b63c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998796&Signature=M0x-2lYM76SDDygyy5qt3ROASESNRQ6sTFap7I24m31dWrbRrYXmEgY~Tu9obN8aJcdpL6Mg9g0byF2xMy0f9nObyarbN81IqgZFN-bXj09yVNdj5wS9PKoVupvyQMYTAM4mUaiFPvnsjlWxnHW0i859ri93Sr7VTMrdumBwTfYkPV0ToI0DilX6RZ-N9XZwip7teuZhmCVuUssGSjWBrB9Ik5BzSjl9desxHom3ncxsppZyDZ4cLn2-g3L0ItiquUZ8Yr~eIII4HtgvexcfoAfRcFIQTHxpDJhqQkb~q0UGiohEa8KrA7wRN5k8GnO~baz-9rPMa4fBn2193x5hQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission tabled a petition from Cap Properties LLC identified as PDash02-25 at the petitioner’s request. Staff asked to table the item to a date certain—May 5, 2025—and commissioners approved a motion to table.

The item was not discussed on its merits at the meeting; staff indicated the petitioner requested additional time. The tabling means the commission will revisit the petition on May 5, 2025 unless the petitioner withdraws or reschedules.","The Planning Commission voted to table Cap Properties LLC’s petition (PDash02-25) at the petitioner’s request until the City’s May 5 meeting date.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6593204,"Planning commission approves NLMK Port of Indiana office site plan",435,4110000,4545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653&start=4110&end=4545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516740-afd3c767c4bacb3871dace9036658653/thumbnail_4110000.jpg","/articles/6593204/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Planning-commission-approves-NLMK-Port-of-Indiana-office-site-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6593204-b6502d314371da5c43f417fee7686bfd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770998796&Signature=Cf91bn9TTVDDjHJd-AAVhS1fSK5pDt-VwjxCX0A3ZqA6h4WHtowAz8QAjDTWMs54HKWUcy2ihB223JrhdtQDxc52sHvd6LqyfNP~aXT3YYHGg5pKLcwrxjE0ZWqjv5TD62ivYDz3lFqPnCPT4AZW0AGV-h3Ivj7MNnfiW5xnybgAtm24tNsLQUZzWwu3jo2nLCZAqrTXJn8kfuGCgmG-1wa1hKHh07AINLjwnLv5m6eQSEhrwU9fo9g113rN4yQ~6FgaYkDmzexCS4JeuueL8iXtTUyrTsylaLJx7QYafpz-AN73OUIAImkvmB8EF0h204P6xlo7FkwpK5BlrPB0fQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Planning Commission unanimously approved April 7 a site plan for a 5,160-square-foot office and light maintenance building for NLMK at 905 Sun Drive within the Port of Indiana.

Steve DeBold and Aaron Plew presented for the applicant and described the property as a heavily industrialized, largely impervious 37-acre site currently used for scrap metal processing. The proposal calls for a small office area in the front of the building, a shop area in the rear for light maintenance on equipment used in scrap metal operations, a modest parking area and an infiltration basin designed to accept runoff from the drives, parking and part of the roof. The applicant said soils on site are sandy with rapid percolation rates based on percolation testing performed for the project.

DeBold said utility connections (water and sanitary) will be installed by directional bore across existing stockpiles or obstacles to reach George Nelson Drive connections, and that the Port of Indiana, the planning department, fire department and engineering staff had reviewed and approved the submittal. Staff confirmed there were no outstanding contingencies for the site-plan approval.

The commission moved and seconded a motion to approve the site plan (SP-03-225) and the roll-call vote was unanimous. No public opposition was recorded during the hearing. Construction timing and contractor selection were not discussed at the meeting; required building permits and inspections will follow the normal plan-review process.","The commission approved a 5,160-square-foot office and light-shop site plan for NLMK at 905 Sun Drive in the Port of Indiana; staff reported Port of Indiana and fire/engineering approvals and there were no outstanding contingencies.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves amended plat for Luke Oil convenience store and gas station; neighbor voices environmental and safety concerns

Planning commission approves Drive and Shine car-wash plats and site plan with contingencies

Planning commission backs rezoning of 84.3-acre parcel at Airport Road and U.S. 6 for mixed commercial and multifamily use

Commission tables Cap Properties rezoning petition to May 5 meeting

Planning commission approves NLMK Port of Indiana office site plan