HOBART | Zoning changes approved by the City Council pave the way for a new muffler shop on U.S. 6 and a billboard sign on U.S. 30.
The council recently debated a zoning request by Merrillville attorney Richard Anderson to allow a billboard sign at the Centier Bank at U.S. 30 and Colorado.
The Plan Commission recommended the council not approve the billboard request, City Councilman John Brezik, D-5th said.
Brezik, who serves on the Plan Commission, said the message being sent by planers is there already is an overabundance of billboards along U.S. 30.
"Where are we at with signage? The commission is in a quandary not knowing the feeling of the city regarding signage," Brezik said.
City Councilman David Vinzant, D-4th, who questioned the need for yet another billboard on U.S. 30, cast the lone vote against the zoning change.
"Centier is my bank and it's very difficult to get in and out. If you install a billboard there that might cause further new issues," Vinzant said.
The council unanimously approved the rezoning allowing for a muffler shop in a vacant building at 8500 E. 37th Ave.
The new business will be operated by Santiago Vaca, who owns similar shops in Lake Station and Hammond, City Planner A.J. Bytnar said.
"A business going in there is a good thing," Mayor Brian Snedecor said.
Brezik agreed.
"It will be beneficial. It fits perfectly," Brezik said.
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