The Merrillville Plan Commission narrowly approved a one-lot subdivision to allow construction of a ...

1. Planners divided in new furniture store approval
The Merrillville Plan Commission narrowly approved a one-lot subdivision to allow construction of a
Bob's Discount Furniture, a $3.5 million investment planned to be built between Costco and Lowe's
on East 79th Avenue.
The 4-3 vote was contingent upon the town engineer signing off on a drainage plan and lot
designation. Questions were raised about the lot's legal description.
Commission member and Councilman Richard Hardaway, D-2nd, who voted against approval
Tuesday, suggested the commission table the matter until both issues are resolved.
However, commission president, Councilman Shawn Pettit, D-6th, told attorney Richard Anderson,
who represents the project's owners, that he wouldn't sign off on the project and no building permit
would be issued unless the property deal closes.
The town engineer will work with the engineer for the furniture store on drainage issues.
Commission members Brian Dering and Robert Bigelow also voted against the approval.
"I'm not a fan of this project. I don't like the reduction in footprint, reduction in frontage," Dering
said.
The Board of Zoning Appeals has approved variances for the lot depth ratio and frontage. The store
would have a 63-foot frontage instead of the required 100 feet.
Anderson said under the original planned unit development, which has expired, the 4.6-acre
property would have contained two buildings instead of the one.
Addressing concerns expressed at a plan commission workshop session earlier this month, Anderson
said the Army Corps of Engineers has determined the parcel is not a designated wetland so no
mitigation would be needed. He said there would be one truck or less a day going to the store.
In other matters, the commission unanimously approved a final one-lot subdivision to allow for
construction of a proposed CVS pharmacy and Fannie May store at the site of the current Fannie
May and Pepe's restaurant, at 8005 Broadway.
Both the existing Fannie May and Pepe's will be razed.
Hammond attorney William Enslen said it's undetermined when construction will start.
"It depends on the construction season," he said.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter.
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