John Gruszka

The strategic plan for the Town of Cedar Lake focuses on several key areas: fostering a thriving local economy by investing in infrastructure and supporting businesses, preserving extraordinary natural resources through responsible stewardship, engaging the community by seeking input and participation in governance, maintaining an effective organization through accountability and resource management, and ensuring a secure future by protecting citizens and their investments. The plan aims to create a sustainable environment where residents, visitors, and businesses thrive, with a commitment to excellent public service, transparency, and responsible growth.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting included discussions and decisions on several variance requests. A variance request for a barndominium was withdrawn. A developmental variance was approved for Faith Church to construct an addition with an overall height of 53 feet. Another developmental variance was approved to allow the construction of an accessory structure on a lot smaller than 10,000 square feet. A developmental variance request concerning parking and setback issues for a proposed commercial business was deferred to the next meeting.

The meeting involved the nomination and appointment of officers, including Greg Parker as President and Chuck Kouder as Vice President, and the retention of Austgen Kuiper & Jasaitis for legal services. Discussions and actions were taken on several properties with code violations or demolition orders, including properties on W. 142nd Place, Cline Avenue, Lincoln Plaza, W. 133rd, Bryan Street, Lake Shore Drive, W. 131st Lane, W. 136th Ln. (Vanderbilt), and W. 136th Ln. (Foster). Issues ranged from deferred items needing updates to issuing demo orders and addressing ordinance violations, such as someone living in a camper next to a house without a functioning bathroom.

The Utility Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. There was a report from the Clerk-Treasurer regarding revenue and expenditure, including an upcoming software upgrade for the Neptune meter reading system. The board considered an engineering proposal for the Utopia Subdivision Water Main Replacement Design. Additionally, the board discussed the 2020 Water Utility Preliminary Engineering Report and the West Side Sanitary Interceptor project. The board also addressed the Water Main Extension on 141st Avenue and authorized the Utility Board president to execute necessary documents for the development.

The meeting covered a range of topics, including preliminary plat approvals, letters of credit, re-zoning requests, site plans, and amendments to zoning and subdivision control ordinances. Discussions included the Lakeside preliminary plat, Great Oaks Acres letter of credit, Beacon Pointe letter of credit reduction, and the Carey preliminary plat/rezone. The commission also addressed the Midwest PGM site plan, Hanover Farms, Inc. rezone, Tech Credit Union site plan, Surf Air Wireless concept plan, and amendments to outdoor lighting regulations. An update was provided on the Muir Woods storm drainage project.