[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6030559,"mediaKeyId","5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968","parentId",5516763,"title","Votes at a glance: Portage Planning Commission actions on March 3, 2025","audioSeconds",4026,"startMs",239000,"endMs",4265000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968&start=239&end=4265","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968/thumbnail_239000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6030559/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Votes-at-a-glance-Portage-Planning-Commission-actions-on-March-3-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030559-2921b8b5c289ebb4507f77fdbff6b480/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137420&Signature=Y2p5WpSUJUDe3QMJsUkzZPAXBuox-Harlzxwp06HCgvh3AzWcQvFThjV5-ZGQ00JYCp4Jz5DIvw82ejWRmcjuLTKdA3oVHPl~k-MoNCxOUgTCi7hjcuxhbdyb1du9205mSU-03Xq8JsnbndpNfCnYNJ5CwrtMzfXJd9wk7edV8NyXUXt1Y-M60Gdm-czxA0HsI7nqeC-U18oS5Ug9dqwBh4TMhlILngGvyMoYEwXX92W9utq4mGxLe2e4PtNx~BX1Hp2vq8HEfKjtKrZBsrUJw7BEjhgwh162-8cI7wnV9Ncdpbh5K~C4lSzaqXcKFrgeuP4pm4eHg6tKTXOetXLyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Portage, IN","date","2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","article","The Portage Planning Commission took the following formal actions at its March 3, 2025 meeting (votes recorded by roll call unless otherwise noted):

• Election of officers and appointments: The commission elected Denise Little as president and Victoria Vasquez as vice president. Tom Cherry was reappointed executive secretary. Scott McClure was approved as legal counsel. Each motion passed by voice vote/roll call with no recorded opposition.

• Appointment to Development Review Committee (DRC): The commission appointed Denise Little as the Planning Commission member to the DRC. Motion carried by voice vote.

• Z‑01‑25, Ladybug Laundry (2852 Willow Creek Road): The commission voted unanimously to send a favorable recommendation to the Portage Common Council to rezone the property from Office Commercial to C1 (personal services) with a condition removing car wash and gas station uses. (Roll call: Mendoza, Weidenbach, Wright, Childers, LaBoy, Bechdel, Vasquez, Garcia — all yes.)

• MD‑01‑25, Fence variance (3693 Heinz Street): The commission approved a variance to allow a 5‑foot PVC fence with a 16‑foot extension off the southeast corner of the lot. Staff entered written objections into the record and confirmed notice procedures; the motion passed unanimously by roll call.

• S‑02‑25, Bauer Farms Phase 1B final plat (34 lots): The commission conditionally approved the Phase 1B final plat subject to completion of bonding requirements, installation or bonding of asphalt hammerhead turnarounds and lowering/verification of stormwater structures. The developer will provide survey verification of corner markers and post required bonds; Board of Works will approve the bond. Motion passed unanimously.

• Master plan initiation (citywide): The commission authorized staff to proceed with development of a comprehensive master plan update (the city’s last full master plan was completed in February 2009). The motion was to begin the master plan process and was approved by roll call.

These actions advance items that require subsequent administrative steps (permits, bonding, or council review). The commission’s votes were recorded during the meeting; the Common Council and Board of Works retain final authority where indicated (rezoning, bond approvals).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","COP Planning Commission Mtg 03-03-25","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of motions and roll‑call outcomes from the March 3 Portage Planning Commission meeting, including officer elections, appointments, two land‑use cases, a subdivision plat approval and authorization to begin a citywide master plan update.","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},6030564,"Commission approves final plat for Bauer Farms Phase 1B (34 lots) with bonding contingencies",347,3739000,4086000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968&start=3739&end=4086","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968/thumbnail_3739000.jpg","/articles/6030564/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Commission-approves-final-plat-for-Bauer-Farms-Phase-1B-34-lots-with-bonding-contingencies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030564-ce4277fe073fd8b391ae61b6f82a4ba4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137420&Signature=NLoEO6Bsbndhi41i1UN3QE8A6p-pfOUC~PjqSpZ3tVqjU9-1LASO9v7ODYyaJ1S-P6F-e2~f5I9sH-FwjSylWJJ03SKrsYTxYnILm~C44STITqeLSMhknMn-m0nZPTamjzXL2c6oy86t8qZUq77Nf2P3mlmldSoXrGK7jH8-Cb72L4CDLHxWqpna3dXHyzaL0W9o9QVB8btuax6G62cOntbUwFl~tRaI~8EMsk~Bt56JsI0sJVYeNx4IyTvqcPo6FW~7GqEgaNRSToQ4hRDBLbU1bIEP2U5W4N-kJt-o05224JLBWUqHu1XSWZ-~1vXl6q3CenOFfNmudD0ND6EzWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage Planning Commission on March 3 approved the final plat for Bauer Farms Phase 1B, a 34‑lot subdivision development, subject to completion of bonding and specified site‑work contingencies.

The developer, RCJJ Development LLC (care of Chris Salatus), sought secondary approval for the southernmost hatched area of the overall Bauer Farms project. Staff recommended approval conditioned on: completion of bonding requirements identified by the city’s financial officer; a surveyor’s letter verifying installation of marked corner lots (the applicant reported that verification had been completed the prior Friday); and installation of asphalt hammerhead turnarounds at the ends of Viceroy Street for emergency vehicle access or inclusion of those items in the developer bond.

Project representatives told the commission that asphalt work and some stormwater adjustments must wait for seasonal conditions (asphalt plants were not yet open) and that a punch list for lowering stormwater structure tops would be prepared with the city engineer. The developer and city staff said outstanding items would be bonded and that the bond would be approved at the Board of Works meeting prior to plat recordation.

A motion to approve Phase 1B passed on roll call; commissioners recorded unanimous support. The motion included the condition that incomplete work be bonded and that turnaround installations and stormwater structure adjustments be completed or covered by bond prior to final plat sign‑off.","The Planning Commission approved the secondary plat for Bauer Farms Phase 1B (34 lots) conditionally pending completion of bonding for outstanding items including stormwater structure adjustments and two asphalt turnaround (hammerhead) installations.",{"_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},6030569,"Planning Commission approves 5‑foot PVC fence variance at 3693 Heinz Street",1206,2429000,3635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968&start=2429&end=3635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968/thumbnail_2429000.jpg","/articles/6030569/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Planning-Commission-approves-5foot-PVC-fence-variance-at-3693-Heinz-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030569-2fe06a77f320f1d4558c7e50555351ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137420&Signature=bxi93Ju4pet-H4b3roscQUpuuw6LhBcwwJAg8p0P-xPf5nAooGcPv1A784CsGojT-hXV1BR01lk7LYQrl59~zA5NUZL2cG-mrMUbPMVCLStnd28r6qqHHdjBZR6PIZgbhjQSomI68OkoDuW2KBAPY0HDRJBRw-2O4mp-H3yOiaMMdK6hBXGEm8YXeyqzfNCJM4d6kW4npQ2ce2yX1vdJ8lSLOR2W6Y9L0fslAo1j1hy6tpiA~8702p8tENo73EJAUruqpHHUltLP3VRvWnM~YaM2ayMOX9Pca4coNftCsAIGE7iWYy9zlvjRL1bzqw18koTxmsO2i6O9Sm35ymE3Xw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage Planning Commission on March 3 approved a variance permitting a 5‑foot white PVC fence to extend 16 feet off the southeast corner of 3693 Heinz Street in the Preston Trails section of the Airport Crossing planned unit development.

Applicant Karen Lewandowski told the commission that her corner lot’s configuration requires a 16‑foot extension (two 8‑foot panels) so a gate would not be “stuck in the middle of the fence,” that the southern portion of her lot is level and suitable for raised garden beds, and that she needs a secure yard for her dog.

Lewandowski said her HOA permits either a 5‑foot PVC fence or a 5‑foot aluminum fence and that she had pursued the PVC option. She described efforts to notify neighbors and said she later re‑sent certified notices after checking property records.

Neighbors submitted a petition and written objections. Commissioners and staff confirmed that the city’s legal notice requirement was met; one written objection said the recipient received notice late, and the applicant explained she had re‑sent certified notices after finding a GIS owner listing discrepancy.

Resident Rod (Rod Hatchet) spoke in support, calling the applicant a responsible homeowner; other neighbors did not appear in force at the public hearing.

Commissioner motion language approved by roll call was to grant the request for a 5‑foot PVC fence at 3693 Heinz Street. Roll call votes recorded yes from all present members; the motion carried.

The approval was taken under the planned development review process (MD‑01‑25) rather than the Board of Zoning Appeals because the subdivision is part of a planned unit development. The applicant was advised to follow HOA and PUD construction standards and to obtain any required building permits.","The Planning Commission approved a variance to allow a 5‑foot PVC fence to extend 16 feet off the southeast corner of 3693 Heinz Street in Preston Trails (Airport Crossing PUD). The applicant said the extension is to accommodate a gate, level yard space and an elevated garden; some neighbors filed objections about notice and visibility.",{"_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},6030573,"Planning Commission recommends rezone for Ladybug Laundry at 2852 Willow Creek with use restrictions",1862,479000,2341000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968&start=479&end=2341","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516763-0292799250a50635bece372dcf61d968/thumbnail_479000.jpg","/articles/6030573/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Planning-Commission-recommends-rezone-for-Ladybug-Laundry-at-2852-Willow-Creek-with-use-restrictions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030573-4eb368f0b9469e39e8e0402e5ade2929/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137420&Signature=DcL1vyrMBwBfdBvjSa~kFG2I-hy2tFQ4MzZYNZDnXYLqKpgBfwQM2JoH2HDaP2pCOSOBD2FMVQdbkKu5yOPUgPVQe708RouBK7eStpbJbXHsyKBIwcLsc7woWUPTzl83fhq1cHs3wfgaYuGwAmwGb996yb6VODb1v1SEiatqydv0qBLabhZmCqLXjbcZv11tey1UdAxdQ7CiYRXXmpCk0h5MlFkp~eevv8dJgyPVC4C3ujSn-l8CfQEuSX98b-EWefsAyJpE4eIzGB3agEfDLmyz927FaBWgNbaTPCTZXGMUC-sGPsISxEJrh5oLSEuYvikVEb4-FQ~Wf~x2UPlH6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage Planning Commission voted unanimously on March 3 to send a favorable recommendation to the Common Council to rezone 2852 Willow Creek Road from Office Commercial to C1 (small/medium‑scale commercial) for a proposed Ladybug Laundry location.

The change was recommended with a condition removing car wash and gas station from the list of permitted uses for the parcel. The commission’s motion passed on a roll call with all members voting yes.

Commissioners and staff heard a 20‑minute presentation from Logan Weetrick, who identified himself as the owner of Ladybug Laundry, and from Ed McAlpine of McAlpine Consulting, who presented a conceptual site plan. Weetrick said Ladybug operates 12 locations in the region and described the proposed Portage site as “1.45 acres” located on the west side of Willow Creek Road north of Bigby Coffee. He said the company provides self‑service laundry, drop‑off service and a coinless payment system that accepts cash, credit, EBT and phone pay.

“We don’t do dry cleaning,” Weetrick said. “Everything we use is household‑type — no Perk or dry‑cleaning chemicals.”

McAlpine described the site as having a panhandle driveway and a proposed detention area and said sewer and water are available at the road. Matt Rossman, listed as the project general contractor, said the design had been revised to avoid variances and to meet standards.

Public commenters generally supported the project for adding a service to an “underserved” area. Rod Hatchet, who gave his address as 2844 Irving Street, recommended the commission approve the proposal and urged the applicant to maintain customer service and respond to online reviews. Julie Woods, a nearby resident, asked whether the applicant planned a back access from Moneer Court; the applicant said there was no intention to open a back access from Moneer Court.

Commission members asked about hours, equipment and traffic. Weetrick said the company had not finalized whether the Portage location would operate 24 hours, and that some nearby company locations are 24‑hour while others are not. He said typical peak traffic would be “at maximum 50 cars a day” on busy days, and that the company uses Fagor commercial washers and dryers with typical downtime under five days because the company stocks parts.

After questions the commission moved to recommend the rezone to the Common Council with the restriction removing car wash and gas station uses. The roll call votes were recorded as yes by Victor Mendoza; Melissa Weidenbach; Brent Wright; Carissa Childers; Sam LaBoy; Deb Bechdel; Victoria Vasquez; and Alonzo Garcia.

The commission’s favorable recommendation means the item will proceed to the Portage Common Council, which has final zoning authority.","The Portage Planning Commission voted unanimously to send a favorable recommendation to the Common Council to rezone 2852 Willow Creek Road from Office Commercial to C1 (personal services) for a Ladybug Laundry location, with car wash and gas station removed from permitted uses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Portage Planning Commission actions on March 3, 2025

Commission approves final plat for Bauer Farms Phase 1B (34 lots) with bonding contingencies

Planning Commission approves 5‑foot PVC fence variance at 3693 Heinz Street

Planning Commission recommends rezone for Ladybug Laundry at 2852 Willow Creek with use restrictions