MERRILLVILLE | A redevelopment project at the former Saturn dealership off U.S. 30 is no longer advancing, the town announced last week.
Doug Gossage had planned to operate an aquatics center and a separate personal storage unit facility at the property at 1794 W. 81st Ave.
Town Councilman Shawn Pettit said Merrillville received a letter from Richard Anderson, an attorney representing Gossage, indicating Gossage isn't proceeding with the plans because he didn't obtain financing for the project in sufficient time.
Gossage had planned to remodel the existing building on the property. That work would have involved installing a pool.
The personal storage unit facility would have been in the rear of the property.
Last year, the proposed businesses received multiple approvals from Merrillville's Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Town Council.
Those approvals only were applicable to Gossage's project, town leaders said.
"Whoever comes in next would have to start from scratch" to obtain clearance from Merrillville, Pettit said.
The land, which once housed a Saturn dealership, has been vacant for nearly four years.
No other plans have been announced for the property.
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