City and Town councils across Northwest Indiana met this week to discuss development plans,
Here is a look at some of what they decided on this week.
Valparaiso City Council
Date of meeting: Monday, Nov. 24
The Valparaiso City Council voted to advance an ordinance that would convert the city's Banta Senior Center to a residential zoning designation. The change was requested by the Parks Department, which operates the center, and would facilitate the ambitions of developers who plan to turn the century-old building into apartments. Valparaiso plans to eventually relocate its senior programming.
A second zoning ordinance, this one requested by the Hobart-based Luke Family of Brands, did not advance. The company is seeking zoning change to accommodate a residential subdivision and gas station on the corner of State Road 130 and County Road 250 West.
Democrats on the council said they want more discussion of Valparaiso's gas station regulations before voting on the rezone, and sent the item back to the city's plan commission.
Watch the meeting video on the city's website.
Hammond Common Council
Date of meeting: Monday, Nov. 24
Mayor Thomas McDermott told the city council that Hammond might have to cut some of its community events in 2026 due to a funding shortfall brought on by a new Indiana property tax reform law.
The council voted unanimously to re-appoint local real estate agent Suzette M. Kubacki to the Hammond Redevelopment Commission, a five-member body tasked with facilitating new uses for blighted or disused land.
The council also observed a moment of silence for for Hammond resident Fran DuPey, a former Lake County councilwoman and later commissioner who died on Nov. 21 after a quarter century spent in county government. Her husband, former Hammond Police Chief Frank DuPey, died in 2011 at age 78.
Watch the meeting video on Hammond's Facebook page.
Merrillville Town Council
Date of meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 25
The Merrillville Town Council unanimously granted a zoning exception to allow a vegan food truck to move into a permanent storefront location. Breath'g Vegan, which has been operating near the intersection of West Taft Street and 73rd Avenue, plans to expand into a nearby space once occupied by a Subway.
The food truck will remain operational during the summer months, restauranteur Donna Webster told the council.
Watch the meeting video on the town's Youtube channel.
East Chicago Common Council
Date of meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 25
With three separate resolutions, the East Chicago Common Council granted use variances that would allow a gymnastics studio and an office space for a construction firm on Main Street and a thrift shop on Indianapolis Boulevard to open their doors.