Hobart defers on plan for office/retail building
By Karen Caffarini Post-Tribune correspondent August 3, 2012 11:06AM
Updated: September 7, 2012 6:07AM
HOBART — The plan commission Thursday deferred action on a request to construct an office/retail building at Marcella Boulevard and 62nd Street pending the submission and review of all plans concerning the project.
Attorney Jeffrey Gunning requested approval of the project with contingencies that night, saying financing for his client, Colvel Investments LLC, was hanging in the balance.
Gunning said the building, which would be just south of the Family Express on 61st Avenue, would house office space, retail space and/or a restaurant.
However, plan commission members and city officials said there was no technical review of the site as yet and there were questions about landscaping.
“Rushing this is not good for anyone,” commission chairman John Brezik said. “I like what’s being presented, but I don’t know if it will work.”
Gunning presented the commission with a new proposal for an underground detention system that replaces the original above-ground system, which was deemed insufficient. He said it is comparable to the system done by CVS.
Assistant city engineer Jake Dammarell said he needed time to review the system, which could take at least 20 days.
City planner A.J. Bytnar also pointed out that the landscaping was not deemed adequate.
He said because there will be more than 50 parking spaces some green space will need to be added to the lot.
In other action, the commission gave preliminary approval to an O’Reilly’s Automotive Store to be built at St. Joseph Place and Ridge Road.
In a preceding Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, Celeste and Michael Cadavid were given permission to have a living quarters over a detached garage on a 10-acre parcel at Liverpool Road and 49th Avenue. Celeste Cadavid said they do a lot of volunteer work and want a place to rent.
Neighbors Dick and Joan Boyd spoke in favor of the request.
“I see no reason not to let them have the apartment,” Joan Boyd said.
