Lighthouse Restaurant expansion approved by Cedar Lake planners

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CEDAR LAKE — Planners approved the site plan for the sixth Lighthouse Restaurant expansion after the structure’s site was moved slightly and concerns about emergency access to a neighboring subdivision were addressed.

In a special meeting Jan. 31, the Plan Commission unanimously approved the site plan for an outdoor kitchen area for the restaurant that will be used to store and prepare food for outdoor diners during the summer months.

Les Dewes, who represents restaurant owner DJ Cedar Lake LLC, said that since the last time he appeared before planners the location of the structure, which will be about the size of a one-car garage, was moved slightly to improve the sight-line to the lake along Constitution Avenue.

“I like the new location much better,” said Tim Kubiak, Plan Commission president. “It keeps the view coming down Constitution. I think it is much improved myself.”

Ian Nicolini, town administrator, said that during discussions with the owners the past two weeks keys to the access gate near 139th Avenue on the southernmost part of the parcels owned by DJ Cedar Lake have been given to the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department and the Town Council president.

After the meeting Nicolini said the emergency access is needed in case of a flooding event in the neighboring subdivision. The only roadway access to the subdivision travels over Binyon Bridge.

The bridge, which is on the Lake County Highway Department’s schedule for reconstruction, is low and washes out during heavy rains.

“When Binyon Bridge floods they become landlocked,” Nicolini said.

When the parcel is further developed, plans call for permanent access. In the meantime, residents will be able to travel through the gated access road in the event the bridge washes out.