Porter County, Indiana
Corridor Plan Adopted 05/19/2009
Table of Contents
Part 1: Introduction Acknowledgements.................................................... 6 Advisory Committee:.............................................6 Porter County Planning Staff:................................6 Consultants:.........................................................6 Purpose of the Corridor Plan...................................... 7 Relevant Plans and Documents.................................. 7 Creating a Vision Statement...................................... 8 How Should This Plan Be Used?................................. 8 Corridor Study Area Map......................................9 Background Information.......................................... 10 Study Area Description............................................ 10 Goals and Recommendations Summary................... 11 Public Input Process................................................. 11 Project Advisory Committee................................11 Key Stakeholder Interviews..................................11 Public Workshops................................................12 Summary of Public Input . ..................................12
Part 2: Data Analysis Introduction............................................................. 14 Historic and Cultural Influences............................... 14 U.S. 6................................................................14 State Route 49 south..........................................14 Cultural Resources Map......................................15 Kankakee River...................................................16 Water Resources.................................................16 Agriculture.........................................................16 Profile: Cultural Corridors...................................17 Corridor Existing Land Use....................................... 18 Corridor Existing Land Use..................................19 Corridor Character Summaries................................. 20 Corridor Characteristics Map...............................23 Transportation......................................................... 24 Introduction........................................................24 Vehicular Functional Classifications.....................24 Functional Classifications Map............................25 Corridor Access Points Map.................................26 Traffic Counts.....................................................27 Corridor Access..................................................27 Access Management..........................................27 Publicly Identified Hazardous Intersections and Recorded Crash Data...............................27 Transportation Safety..........................................28
Crass Locations Map...........................................28 Traffic Volume Projections...................................29 Proposed Roadway Extensions.............................29 Planned Roadway Improvements.........................29 Planned Roadway Improvement Locations Map...............................................................30 INDOT Major Moves...........................................30 Alternative Transportation Elements......................... 31 Freight Rail.........................................................31 Profile: Complete Streets.....................................31 Passenger Rail....................................................32 Regional Bus Service...........................................33 Non-Motorized Transportation.............................33 NIRPC Cycling Routes Map.................................35 Blueway Corridors...............................................36 Air Transportation...............................................37 Utility Service Areas................................................. 38 Sanitary Sewer Service Inventory.........................38 Sanitary Sewer Service Analysis...........................38 Water Service Inventory.......................................39 Water Service Analysis........................................39 Likely Growth Areas............................................39 Septic Suitability Soils Map..................................39 Water Service Areas Map....................................40 Sanitary Sewer Service Area Map........................41 Development and Market Summary ........................ 42 SWOT Analysis...................................................42 Findings.............................................................42 Likely Growth Areas............................................44 Natural Systems Inventory ...................................... 44 Wetlands............................................................44 Identified Wetlands Map.....................................44 Tree Cover / Forests.............................................45 Porter County Topography Map...........................45 Slopes................................................................45 Viewsheds..........................................................45 Air Quality..........................................................45 Wellheads...........................................................46 Water Resources.................................................46 UDO Watershed Overlay District..........................46 Salt Creek Watershed..........................................46 Agricultural Land................................................47 Prime Agricultural Land Map...............................48 Profile: Agricultural Impacts...............................49 Profile: Wetlands, Woodlands, and Riparian Corridors........................................................50 Profile: Sustainable Forestry................................52
Table of Contents
Transitional and Stable Corridors............................. 54 Introduction........................................................54 Transitional Areas...............................................54 Stable Areas.......................................................54 Transitional and Stable Corridors Map.................55 Development Suitability Areas.................................. 56 Development Suitability Map...............................57
Part 3: Goals & Recommendations Part 3a: County-Wide Goals..................................... 61 Part 3b Corridor-Specific Recommendations................................................... 69 SR 149 Corridor..................................................70 Meridian Road Corridor......................................72 SR 49 Corridor North..........................................74 SR 49 Corridor South..........................................76 US 6 Corridor.....................................................78 SR 130 Corridor..................................................80 US 30 Corridor...................................................82 SR 2 Corridor......................................................84 SR 8 Corridor......................................................86
Sustainable Infrastructure Tools............................. 107 Best Management Practices..............................107 Green Highways...............................................108 Agriculture Practices.........................................108 Sustainable Land Development Tools..................... 108 Compact Development.....................................108 Sustainable Building Standards.........................109 Municipal Airport Development Recommendations.109 Implementation Table Introduction / Clarification... 110 Implementation Agencies..................................110 Time Frame......................................................110 Priority..............................................................110 County-Wide Implementation................................. 111 Encourage Existing and New Economic Opportunities................................................111 Enhance Corridor Safety and Function...............112 Promote Balanced Development and Growth Patterns........................................................114 Celebrate the Unique Identity and Character of Each Corridor...............................................117 Corridor-Specific Implementation........................... 121 SR 149.............................................................121 Meridian Road..................................................122 SR 49 (North)...................................................123 SR 49 (South)...................................................124 US 6................................................................126 SR 130.............................................................127 US 30..............................................................128 SR 2.................................................................129 SR 8.................................................................131
Part 3c Development Scenarios................................ 89 Introduction........................................................90 Development Philosophy.....................................90 Development Scenarios Map...............................91 Suburban Commercial Development / Redevelopment...............................................92 Crossroads Commercial Development.................94 Business / Industrial Park Development................96 Neighborhood-Scale commercial Development..................................................98 Conservation Subdivision with Mixed-Use..........100
Part 5: Appendix
Part 4: Implementation Toolbox
Appendix A: Visioning Workshop Comments............................................................. 134
Introduction........................................................... 104 Economic Development Tools................................. 104 Redevelopment Commission.............................104 Tax Incentives...................................................104 Transportation Management Tools......................... 104 Traffic Access Management Plan.......................104 Traffic Impact Study..........................................106 Transportation Safety Plan.................................106
Appendix B: Prioritization Workshop Comments............................................................. 138 Appendix C: Agricultural Preservation.................... 145 Appendix D: Traffic Volume Projections.................. 147
Part 1:
Introduction
Introduction
Acknowledgements The Porter County Corridor Plan is the result of the collective insight and effort of residents, government agencies, and consultants. A plan that does not involve those it hopes to serve cannot fully realize its potential or vision. For this reason, those with a vested interest in the future of Porter County put forth their time, effort, and ideas in this plan’s development.
Advisory Committee:
Porter County Planning Staff:
The Advisory Committee members, who were an integral part of this process, include:
Robert Thompson, Executive Director
Craig Phillips
City of Valparaiso
Joe Csikos
City of Portage
Don Abraham INDOT Charles (Spike) Peller INDOT Steve Strains
NIRPC
Eman Ibrahim NIRPC Kathy Luther
NIRPC
Ray Riddell
County Engineer
Ray Joseph, Planner
Consultants: Lead Planning and Urban Design Consultant RATIO Architects, Inc. Economic Development Development Concepts, Inc. Transportation Butler, Fairman and Seufert, Inc.
Kevin Breitzke County Surveyor Al Hoagland
County Highway Superintendent
Rick Burns
BZA & Plan Commission member
Lorelei Weimer Director of County Tourism
6
Ed Melendez
County Park Superintendent
Matt Murphy
Valparaiso Economic Director
Don Babcock
NIPSCO (Economic Development)
Kyle Kuebler
Director, Porter County Airport
Tim Cole
Plan Commission Member
Jan Dick
City of Valparaiso
Charlie Ray
Duneland Group
Christine Livingston
Save the Dunes
John Schnurlein
Century 21 Estates
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
Introduction
Purpose of the Corridor Plan
Relevant Plans and Documents
The Porter Corridor Plan is the result of growing concern within the County regarding the potential for undesirable patterns of residential, commercial and industrial growth and development along prominent vehicular travelways. The County desires efficient and attractive development that responds to county needs and strengthens the local economy. Often uncontrolled growth can detract from residents’ and visitors’ experiences, create transportation-related congestion, and has the potential to negatively affect the unique landscape of Porter County.
• The Porter County U.S. 12/20 Corridor Transportation Plan (02/2008)
Porter County is part of the northwest gateway into Indiana from Illinois and the Chicago region, and therefore lies within a short commute of the third largest city in the nation. Within Indiana, Porter County also serves as a gateway to the major recreation areas of Lake Michigan and Dunes State Park.
• Porter County Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan (05/2001) • NIRPC Greenways & Blueways Plan (12/2007) • Porter County Interim Report (1991) • NIRPC Northwest Indiana Bike Map (2008) • NIRPC Ped & Pedal Plan (2005) • Salt Creek Watershed Management Plan (Save the Dunes - 2008)
In 2001, the County adopted the Porter County Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan, subtitled “Porter County 2020, Building the Foundation for the Future” which acts as the county’s Comprehensive Plan, containing county-wide land use and transportation elements as required by I.C. Section 36-7-4-502. Over the last seven years, development pressure along certain highways and arterials has intensified resulting in the need for specific corridor policies. The subject corridors connect communities linking interdependent economies. This Corridor Plan encourages suitable development patterns that limit uncoordinated expansion and preserves natural, historic, and cultural resources. In addition, this plan encourages coordination and cooperation between Porter County and the incorporated cities and towns to successfully implement the vision.
Part 1: INTRODUCTION
Adopted 05/19/2009
7
Introduction
Creating a Vision Statement
How Should This Plan Be Used?
It is important that the Corridor Plan contains a clear vision for the County’s network of corridors. During the planning process the Advisory Committee and the general public developed a Vision Statement that represents the shared values and desires of Porter County residents for land uses and development along Porter County’s corridors within the next ten or twenty years. Goals and Recommendations were developed to support the vision below.
Porter County undertook preparation of the Corridor Plan to address corridor planning on state and federal roads in the unincorporated area of the County. This plan supplements and updates the 2001 Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan. The Corridor Plan is an additional planning tool in the County’s arsenal to guide and encourage appropriate development throughout the unincorporated areas of the county.
From the Kankakee River to the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan, Porter County’s transportation corridors will collectively serve as gateways highlighting the unique features of the county. The protection and enhancement of natural systems, scenic vistas, and rich agricultural land will be an integral part of future growth in the county. Future development reflecting Porter County’s historic and cultural influences will also create a thoughtful balance between the community’s economic needs and the collective values of its residents, with a safe and efficient transportation system for all forms of mobility. Cooperative efforts between government agencies, and between the public and private sector, will result in a network of corridors revealing to residents and visitors alike the unique assets Porter County has to offer.
It is intended to be used by staff, local appointed and elected decision makers, economic development and business groups that solicit, plan, or review development proposals for the County or adjacent municipalities. This plan will be most effective when used in conjunction with relevant planning documents including the County’s Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Arterial Roadway and Scenic Roadway Overlay Districts.
Iron Truss Bridge Crossing the Kankakee River Along SR 49
8
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
Center
950
Rolling Meadows 900
B
Circle Haskell
Mil
l
1150
w elo Big
900
1025
1100
S County Road
Main Illinois
County Line
450 435
1050
675
1050
PORTER
LAPORTE
550 500
1175
650
525
1600
575
1100 County Line
550
450
550 600
250
1800 1850
1050
150
150
Shebel
Alcin
Unnamed
Willow Flynn
1050
1100 Elm
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2
600
te R Sta Old 575 600 564 575
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400
400
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195
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Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
500
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ton
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Montdale
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325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
State Road 49
150
Meridian 100
175
1500
1700
1150
300
450
125
Church
State Highway 8 Mill
Main
200
County Highway 1185
Smoke
50
150
225
30 0 375
350
State Road 8 Kelvyn
Ross
Roads
325
2300
1125
Millers
Proposed Roads 2350
350
Abandoned Rail 1050
300
2200
Major Corridors
1125 500
1100
600
1000
1050
1800
United States Highway 421
50
400
Ba
State Road 49
um
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250
275
ridg e
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Project Study Area 1000
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Active Rail
County Line
200
500
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1500
Cardinal
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Incorporated Areas County Line
County
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County Road 1350 400
1400
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100
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5
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County Road 600
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400 Old Suman
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Kestrel
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State Road 49
Silhavy
Shaker
Dove Mayfield
Sturdy
Hearthstone Smoke
300
540
575
Rustic Acres
Daumer
125
1200
1350
1200
1000
Part 1: INTRODUCTION
15th
Bailey
1550
McKinley
1025
0 1/2 1
1400
1400
Post
Legion
650
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
950
Corridor Study Area
217th
United States Highway 30 High
2100
1600
1500
1st
400
400
900
205th d
Earl Carrie
1200
150
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Gran
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500
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Oak Grove lum et
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Calumet
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State Road 2
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Harrison
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Montgomery
Pearson
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Water
State Road 51
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Lisa
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Warren
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Warrick
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Ripley
Ripley Morgan Orange
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Lake Henry
Lake Park
Ash
Ash Ellendale
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Hamilton
Grand
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870
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400
300
300
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450
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350
Un
Diamond
650
112
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142nd
145th
400
Vie
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150 213
310
129th
141st
Woodland
198
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ra
Meadowood
138
275
137th
100
830
200
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300
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700
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10 112th
113th
117th
38
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106th
14
26
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Meska
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200
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I-80
Johnson
G
St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
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101st
Larwick
99th 101st 102nd
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Lagura
125
950
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125
1050
1000
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hill
50
Southport
100
50
Tr
Ransom
Muirfi
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97th
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Calaveras
Horn
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94th
95th 96
30
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I-80
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Snyder
1100
Gre
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Warren
Road 375
Westgate
Sum
91st 93rd
Joliet
200
Reve
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Division
1160
Stoneridge
49
50
Burdick
1200
United States Highway 6
Fleetwood
Galway
154
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
1225
re
Gateway
100
50
125 1275
1250
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ford
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86th
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1325
775
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United States Highway 30
1325
1174
Paul
Kilarney
200
1350
ning
County
Garnet
Mill
t
89th
109th
400
Kimrich
1400
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Lake
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81st
105th 106th h 107t
500
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550
365
85th
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149
130
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66
300
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Merrillville
104
Sta te
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1200
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950
Ridgeway
Kin
1550
Trateba
Meridian Road
37
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81st
83rd
130
400
Haven
350
75th Old
Illinois
450 Coun
alb
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State
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er
73
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sH
1050
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wood
61st
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70th
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62nd
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Midway
Pin
es
850
750 Lahonda
Pin
n
Libert
ep
Unio n
875
Sauk
Holmes
625
Lake
De
16th
700
Robbins
Lighthouse
1500
1500
Colon
n Aspe
9th
10th
Hobart 61st
Marietta
Dalke 900
Oxbow
9th
Coronado
Veterans
Zurich Lamar
Squirrel Creek
Prescott
ry
mo
Me
Canterbury
Lute
Jodi
Rodgers
ian
5th 6th
5th7th
10th
Luther
10th
13th
Fro
8th
Wessex
Coral
Sunrise
7th
Lill w Ne
3rd 4th
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home
nt
Pra
Miami
Ash 2nd
Du
1000
Bruce
Rushingwater
Ravenwood
Baldwin
dge
Fraser Rush
Old Ri
irie
North 38th
Rand
Quail Ruta
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
ne
Boulder
e
sid
il Tra
Elizabeth
Wyandot
Arbors
37th
Tulip
Birch
d lan
eph
Michae
Opal
36th
Rush
36th
Lark
Lakeview
23 B
ranp
Sta
d
Jackson 1400
Park
Indiana Bowser
Fox Point Jo al tree Crab 1100 Windridge
Mulberry
Bend
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Jos
Indiana Lincoln
ite
20
ay
w igh
Arbor
Indian Boundary
et Calum
Hobart
Evergreen Sand
e Central Bush
264
Riv
Bell
Ela in
Vienna
ram p2 5A Saemann
Chesterton
Park
Eugene
1050
Hale
13
Brown Wabash
Broadway
Porter Laura
Leslie
31st
ne erla
Garfield
35th
Lundy
rter
Tech
Lenburg
Echo
ol
Liverpo
igan Mich 23rd
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
Parke
28th
Dom
Portage
Sienna
Old Po
Industrial
Portage
Houston
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram Park
ram
20
Michigami
Warren
Un
1500
Tremont
21st
bey
yview tomac Valle Po Liberty
Canary
Fitz
m
Plaza
20th
Lake Station
Eagle Old Porter
South Cle
20
Pine
is nc Fra
I-80
20th 21st
I-80
0 I-8 Donna 0 I-8 18th
on
Carls
Boo
North Boo
Duffer
Ho ba rt
South
I-94
Burns Harbor am
Daniel Burh
Indigo
Melton
I-90
port
ach
geco
Sta
we Beam
Lawson
s am Ad
6th
Ho
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
12
Hjelm
Porter
United State
ay 12
Highw
x Esse
5th
9th 9th
23rd I-80 25th
24th
States
United
Wahl
5th Miller 5th
I-90
Diana
Oak Ridge
6th
15th
15th
Ogden Dunes
Tr
Shell
10th 12th 13th
Pine Oak Oak
Pottowatami
Parke
3rd Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Maple
Hemlock
Ash Ash
Birch
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
te quet Mar Forest
Juniper Forest Fir
t
Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
Sta
Un
Cardinal
Shore Turret
t
Dune Acres
Ship
ited
W es
Hill
Lake Michigan
H tes
Aspen Dunemoor Central
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Summitt
2
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wa
igh
Bote Roskin
Unnamed
Introduction Beach
650
State Road 10
Adopted 05/19/2009
9
Introduction
Background Information
Study Area Description
Porter County is located Porter County in the northwest region of the State of Indiana along Lake Michigan. The County is located approximately 40 miles southeast of downtown Chicago, IL, 150 miles Indianapolis north-northwest of downtown Indianapolis, IN, and 250 miles westsouthwest of downtown Detroit, MI. Major cities in Porter County include Valparaiso (the County Seat), Portage, and Chesterton. Porter County also includes other cities and towns including Pines, Beverly Shores, Dune Acres, Porter, Burns Harbor, Ogden Dunes, Kouts, and Hebron.
This Corridor Plan primarily focuses on designated U.S. highways and Indiana State Routes within the unincorporated areas of Porter County. Development along these routes falls within the jurisdiction of the Porter County Plan Commission. Due to high traffic volumes and development pressures, Meridian Road is also included in this study. The US 12 and US 20 corridors are not included as they were the subject of the Porter County U.S. 12/20 Corridor Transportation Plan, which was adopted in February 2008. The Corridor Study Area map (page 9) illustrates the Plan study corridors, which include:
The 2007 population estimate for Porter County was nearly 160,600 people (US Census). According to US Census estimates, Porter County’s population has increased by at least 13,000 since 2000, ranking 7th in the State of Indiana for population growth. Additional demographic information and market analysis results can be found in Part 2: Analysis.
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RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
• U.S. Highway 6 • U.S. Highway 30 • U.S. Highway 231 • Indiana State Route 2 • Indiana State Route 8 • Indiana State Route 49 • Indiana State Route 130 • Indiana State Route149 • Meridian Road (Valparaiso to Chesterton) The designated area of study of each corridor is typically 1/4 mile on each side from edge of the roadway rightof-way for a total width of a little more than 1/2 mile. It was determined that this 1/2 mile-wide study area (total) best represents the adjacent area influenced by the roadways. There are also some specific locations where, due to expansive development pressures, a bulge in the corridor study area may be shown. This strategy allowed the consultants, Advisory Committee members, and the general public to focus on what role the corridors play within the larger context of Porter County.
Porter County Corridor Plan
Introduction
Goals and Recommendations Summary This plan contains Goals and Recommendations, which when implemented, will realize the community’s vision. The intent of the Corridor Plan’s goals is: • To understand the issues that have shaped the county over time, and inventory current conditions affecting. • To create or reconfirm the vision of what Porter County could be in the future and to proactively plan for future development appropriate to the county. • To develop county-wide land use and infrastructure strategies to guide decisions. • To develop specific goals and recommendations for future growth along designated corridors
Public Input Process An important component of the success of this plan hinges on how well it reflects the ideas of the county’s residents and addresses their concerns. The planning process employed a variety of public input mechanisms to gather information from pertinent stakeholders and provided residents with an avenue to share their concerns and hopes for the future of Porter County.
Project Advisory Committee An Advisory Committee was created in April 2008 to oversee and guide the preparation of this plan. This committee was composed of individuals representing diverse sectors of the community including business leaders, residents, and public officials. They helped develop this plan’s Goals, associated Recommendations, and reviewed various iterations of draft plans. The group met on nine separate occasions to ensure that the planning process responded to the needs of the community, and that the Plan fulfilled the needs of Porter County.
Kick-off Advisory Committee Meeting, April 2008
Key Stakeholder Interviews In May 2008, staff identified five Key Stakeholder groups that could provide focused input about their specific concerns and desires relative to the future of Porter County. The groups represented: • Porter County and town government (elected) officials and staff • Transportation, EMS and Utility providers • Economic Development/Builders/Developers • Natural Resources Group • Corridor Property Owner/Citizens
Part 1: INTRODUCTION
Adopted 05/19/2009
11
Introduction
Because this Corridor Plan inherently requires coordination of transportation issues with federal and state entities, the consultants met with INDOT officials in an effort to understand how proposed infrastructure and/or roadway projects in the region could affect the future of Porter County. Much of this discussion centered on proposed roadway improvements and efforts to design more multi-modal corridors throughout Porter County.
Public Workshops On May 22nd, 2008, a public workshop was held at the Washington Middle-High School. This workshop introduced residents to the corridor planning process and provided an opportunity for participants to discuss issues and opportunities related to their community. The results of this workshop confirmed preliminary findings and helped establish a list of issues to be addressed in the Corridor Plan. A second public workshop, held September 25th, 2008, introduced residents to suggested “development patterns” which reflected existing conditions and possible solutions to issues. Participants were asked to vote on the type of development patterns they would prefer, and where they might envision such development to be located in the future. The results of this workshop gave the consultants a clearer understanding of the public’s priorities and the character of desired development. A draft of the Corridor Plan was presented at an open house on March 5, 2009. The meeting was an opportunity to invite public comment on the plan before it was prepared for adoption. This process gave the public assurance that any concerns they had expressed early in the planning process were sufficiently addressed in the document.
innovative ways to promote economic development. Listed below are some of the issues and ideas raised by the general public during the public workshops repeatedly. For more detailed public input summaries, mapping and community survey results, refer to Part 5: Appendix. • Minimize sprawl by focusing future development within or adjacent to existing, incorporated areas of the county. • Limit the amount of rezoning throughout the county in which agricultural land is converted into new development(s). • Highlight the rural character and natural features of the county by preserving scenic viewsheds along the county’s corridors. • Pay particular attention to stormwater impacts from new development to protect Porter County’s extensive watershed system. • Preserve prime agricultural land especially in the southern sections of the county. • Preserve historic resources scattered along the county’s corridors. • Encourage land use policies that focus on growth patterns contiguous to Kouts and Hebron to preserve surrounding farm land. • Institute functional and safety improvements at a number of intersections throughout the county. A summary of the intersections with the highest number of vehicular crashes that have occurred over the past three years can be found in Part 2: Analysis (“Publicly Identified Hazardous Intersections and Recorded Crash Data”, p. 27).
Summary of Public Input As the previous section indicated, this planning process provided a number of opportunities and forums for resident input. The input and feedback from the Steering Committee, residents, and businesses generated a valuable spectrum of issues and ideas for Porter County’s collection of corridors. There was general agreement that, collectively, the county must strive to protect and highlight its unique natural and agricultural assets, while simultaneously seek
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RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
Part 2:
Analysis
ANALYSIS
Introduction
Historic and Cultural Influences
This chapter provides an analysis of the character and existing conditions in the corridor study areas. In addition to field work by the consultant team, the analysis draws upon a myriad of reports and studies prepared for the County or other state, regional and municipal agencies that influence development within the county. This analysis also is supplemented with information from the review of aerials and photos. The team reviewed the overall characteristics of the County, but limited the focused analysis to a 1/2 mile swath of the designated unincorporated corridors identified in Part 1: Introduction and below.
Historic transportation patterns and natural resources determined the modern day settlement patterns and tourist appeal of Porter County today. The 1991 State Historic Preservation Office Interim Report states that a trading post in northern Porter County was originally established by Joseph Bailly in 1822 at the convergence of two Indian trails, near present day US 20 and the Little Calumet River (Porter, IN). The initial trails were eventually supplemented by the railroad which came through in the mid 1850’s, and roadways which followed in the early 20th century. The following is an effort to see how historical and cultural resources influenced or were influenced by the transportation networks, namely US 6 and US 30 and SR 2, SR 8, and SR 49.
• U.S. Highway 6 • U.S. Highway 30 • U.S. Highway 231 • Indiana State Route 2 • Indiana State Route 8 • Indiana State Route 49 • Indiana State Route 130 • Indiana State Route149 • Meridian Road (Valparaiso to Chesterton)
U.S. 6 The Grand Army of the Republic (Memorial) Highway is the present official name of US 6. However, during the late 1920s and early 1930s, it was also known as the Roosevelt Highway, after President Theodore Roosevelt. US 6 runs between Provincetown on Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Long Beach, California (a distance of 3,652 miles) making it the longest route in the United States. The Historic Highway began as an entity in November of 1926 when the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) adopted the US numbering system for marking the Nation’s main Interstate highways. AASHO is also known for calling for all Departments and Posts to set aside the 30th of May as a day for remembering the sacrifices of fallen comrades, thereby beginning the celebration of Memorial Day.
State Route 49 south There are many farmsteads with late 19th and early 20th century homes with barns and a variety of farm outbuildings, rural schools, and cemeteries which reflect an early settler’s daily life. Working farms and dilapidated farmsteads are still visible from State Routes 49, 8 and 2 south of Valparaiso.
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RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
375
Center
600
Church
450
B
Mill w elo 1025
1150
300
State Highway 8
Historic Sites
2100
1100
1000
1050
Major Corridors
1000
2200
Proposed Roads
325
1050
Abandoned Rail
1125
2350
2400
County Line
500
1300
Ri
r
County Line
1400
1200
1400
250
County
County Road 1450
5
400
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
Project Study Area 550
Road 142
650
State Road 10
300
Cardinal
1400
350
Streams
Incorporated Areas
ve
County Road 180
100 200
1400
Lake / Water Bodies
1100
ee
County Road 600
ak
500
nk
1050
350
Active Rail
200
Ka
United States Highway 421
400
State Road 49
50
Roads
600
275
dge Bri Ba
150
300 450
Willow Flynn
Legend
State Road 8 Kelvyn
Ross
1500
1450
350
400
Main Illinois
1050
1800
Mill
Main
125
Daumer
um s
250
500
1050
1050 1100
County Line
550
450 600
County Highway 1185
150 Smoke
50 150
200
350
550
McKinley
Kouts
Jefferson
850
1600
State Road 231 500
Plain
1100
575
1600
1700
550
550
Haskell
1150
Big
P R ER TE RT OR PO
L E TE RT OR PO AP LA
S County Road County Line 675
650 525
400
700
Jeflynn
350 400
475
500
600
1350
1050
1100 Elm
2
600
te R oad Sta
Old
575
600 564 575 550 500
368
1175
State Road 49
350
195
Meridian
100
175
150 225
0 30
375
575
Rustic Acres
1400
950
United States Highway 421
Unnamed
Sundew Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
500
500
450
1400
Cultural Sites
575
625
1400
700
Halleck
1350
1125
rd
United States Highway 30 High
Post
Legion
150
400
Tassinong Historical Marker
650
e
900
1st
150
150 100
300
1800
esap Win Old Orc ha
Earl Carrie
1200
435
Niles
400
Highw ay 30
Oak Breeze
Morgan Twp Consolidated School
388 Walnut
1025
3 Miles
Circle
550
wdale
Mea do
Kaper
400
325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
Nathan
100
49
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1150
475
400
Northfield 400
Rigg
Rigg
ton
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Montdale
ys
Industrial
Ra
30
States
1200
2
Alcin
650
350
300
325
Deerfield
Bartz
in Ca
Engle
Dove Mayfield Sturdy
100
United
150
100
Murvihill
75
325
Fairoaks
y
Randolph
1000
1100
1200
8th
1000
500
125
15th
County Line
325
345
575
450
Brummitt
Old Suman
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass
Silhavy
Shaker
State Road 49
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et Ca
age
Valley Vill Greenwich
Smoke
Co Line
600 500
425
275
425
300 Brummitt
m Bru mm it
Arbutus Redbud Gra ha
250
ek
200
150
70
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Valparaiso
Hearthstone
e
250
250
450
Norbeh Oakbrook
Harrison
Littler
Cre
nd
Calumet
E 31 p m ra Slalom
Meridian
Farmdale
Campbell
Sears Linden Franklin
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Heavilin
te Sta
275 300
350
State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
United States Highway 231
ER RT PO ER SP JA
870
150
425
100
1014
200
Blackthorn
540 700
PORTER
860
Rain
Union
nd
550
950
1000
mse
700
400
900
Margaret Bryant Historical Marker Ra
United States Highway 6
Alida
700
Stanbahl Estate
in
Warrrick
325
Miami
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
150
100
Laurel Creek
50
Sa
Olivia
5th
11th 50
50
Bernie
Alpine
75
Jade
50 50
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Sherwood
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Thornapple Mau mee
Sylvan Kincraig
2 Ro
ad
Milton Elmhurst Weston
150
Skyline
Webbs
Braemar
325
Carmo dy
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
Ra nk in
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Waverly
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
100
Jane 125
125
Shatz
Lismore
Tower
od wo dle Bri
350
375
Devon Carmand
Deerpath
Timber
450
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
Babcock
150
200
te Pri va
175
Kristen
Lakepark
325 325
375 ley
500
Pix
York
Springwood
Allegheny
Windy Oak
250
r
Randolph
Mineral Springs
Lions
State Road 149
250
350
Mc Cool
Robin
475 475
550 550 Lourdes
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675 675
Prentis Froberg s
McCool
Olympia
550
5th 3rd 1st
650
600
1 64
656
687
700
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695 725
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Hid
Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
LAKE County Line
Union
Elgin
Tonia
Salt Creek
Truman June
450
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
Carmen
Delta 500
500
625 White Tail Roy
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Erie sta gu
Au
Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery Montgomery
Crocker
State Road 249
Crisman
Samuelson
Austin
Edith
Airport
Teresa
Woodbine
Destiny
Willowcreek
McCool
712
750 725
625
West Mill
Vigo County Line
Pike
Ontario
Park Pike
Randolph
Knox
Grand
Hancock
Smith
8
Reif
0 1/2 1
1000
1400
1400
600
200
Elw
Walte
Grand
Hayes Leonard
Willis
Swanson Walsh
Lisa
Irving Eleanor
Monnier
Bender Fern
Oakwood
Worthington
Oakhill
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
Swanson Iris
Bryant
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
County Line
675
Parke
750 Grand
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson
Wells
Warren
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby
Union
Hobart
Ash
State Road 51
Joann Blake
Edgewood
Union
Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Hobart
Lake Park
Ash Ash Ellendale
Warrick
Morgan
Ripley
Morgan Orange
Route 51
Lake Henry
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Floyd Ash
County Line
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay Cass
Dekalb
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin er Riv
Decatur
Virginia
Medlee
Floyd
Clay Benton Benton
Decatur
Gibson Floyd
Elkhart
on
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W
Clay
Redbow
la
Rillstone
750
George
Adam’s Church
700
Martin
500
500
1100
400
150
200
670
Cultural Resources
217th
2
Arlin
th
50
Norcross
550
Ash
r
ge
1st
Corbly
1600
1500
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r
375
Jefferson Main
Main
Westville
2
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300
300
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be
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Sta
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Division
650
205th
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1200
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600
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36
te
Sta
525
1700
Sto
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ning
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Martinal Domke
450
700
725
231 197 Th
Gree
M
Old
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Beechnut
400
Cou lte
500
Bowman
Penna Hill
400
Fairlane
189th
0 30
Lake
od
ry
Jackson Twp. Dist. #1 School
dre
Cascade
Harmel
wo
ko
125
375
Huakiki Historical Marker
2
South
Hic
go
St An
Chicago
Laporte Union Lin
City View
500
865
State Road 2
Cedar
Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Lincolnway Wood Chicago
700
600
Vale Park
Valparaiso Brown
Factory West
Alice Chandana
Wall Vale Park Glendale
400
500
Bates Alyea Sigler South
173rd
Univ. of Chicago Woods (DNR)
250 State Road 2
350
475
Hebron 800
Kraus
Ore
k
Kelleewood le Map
Burlington Beach Robin
Park
atatuc
Musc
nd
p
650
165th
Diamond
Wesly
Isla
350
550
167th
rd
90
illi
450
31
157th
830
200
300
Windmill
United States Highway 6
112
Ph
Nobles Tourist Center
900
er
600
200
950
nd
Linda
Sa
y2
1000
I-90
Mink Lake (Camp, Golf, Park)
Jonquill
125
1050
950
100
600
wa
Rogers Lakewood Park
Center Twp Dist. #6 School
John Wallace Rigg House
g
725
Johnson Vie w
St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
Snyder
1100
enin
Windemere
650
Division
1160
700
st
638 63 2
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142nd
Gre
I-80
Ma
150
350
450
Paul Reve re
w C re
sa
G ra nd
Warren
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
ntrae
Ida
igh
49
50
Burdick
1200
1174
Meska
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100
50
1275
rry Barbe
Goodview
2
Hazard Sheffield Farm
State Road 2
600
sH
400
Shasta
1325
125
1225
I-80
200
1350
1300
Moraine I-80 Nature Preserve (DNR)
Opal
580
tate
e
dS
310
350
Stony Run
ite
lop
Unknown
Un
ys
Shore
145th
Tr
Ransom
Balla
Estates
Southfield
275
137th
141st
nn
Lake
129th
250
M
Forest View Laurel
Woodland
213
w eado
100
Meadowood
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
ling
Rol
75
e
Rustic
129th
h
shor
124t
e
lop
nnys
Su
Park Lake
121st
50 70
Su
ow
ad
Me
7th Miami
10
112th 113th
117th
38
Division
1400
Far
Fairview
106th 109th
14
ney
Lagura
Larwick
50
26
sale
Road 375
Horn
250
1250
Stoneridge
Gateway
950
811
Fleetwood
Calaveras
Westgate
eld
101st
Tanglewood
Muirfi
hill
105th 106th h 107t
153rd
100
50
Gerald
104
th
mer
99th 101st 102nd
400
County
Hack
Leanna
94th
th
Joliet
30
I-
1325
1200
la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
300
1500
94
s
645
ffo
Sum
91st
et Calum
89th
95th 96
500
1500
1050
Camp Lawrence
Kin
Cli
200
0
1550
Trateba
Alta
550
Southport
Merrillville 93rd
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
ford
Pheasant Hill
Tremont
United States Highway 30
ial
ss
Ridgeway
Camp Butternut Springs (Girl Scouts)
Kimrich
y2
775
Galway
t
154
97th
Robbie
Sta
wa
I-94
Michae l
Colon
Stonegate
625
130
400
ex W
86th
85th
ad
d
sH
Arbor
Kilarney
d
149
130
Garnet
Mill
81st
83rd
Ro
Cattail Mallard
365
Jolie
Cardinal
oln
oln
d
550
Sta te
Indiana Bowser
Eaglewoo
375
Hill
Linc
Linc
ewoo
Salt Creek Fish & Wildlife Area
Illinois
6
United States Highway 6
Midway
et tuck
Nan
State
Indiana Lincoln
ite
igh
te
Jackson 1400
Park
Chesterton
Park
Hale
13
n Aspe
es
Brown Wabash
Un
20
66
Indian Boundary
Warren
ANALYSIS
12
ay
hw
Hig
ram p2 5A Saemann
Fox Point Jo al tree Crab 1100 Windridge
850
5
b
81st
Haven
350
75th Old
tail
Michigami
Sunset Hill Farm Park
37
try Clu
73 rd
orth
Ainsw
Pin
450
Coun
lb
Deka
70th
Pin
600
900
Sauk
750 Lahonda
Prescott
Union Twp HS / Wheeler Methodist Episcopal Church
61st
Norris
875
1500
Hjelm
Broadway
Meridian Road
Dalke
Salt Creek Fish & Wildlife Area
Robbins
Lighthouse
Haven Hollow Park
Holmes
Jo
y
er
Riv
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
Veterans
n
Libert
n
Marietta
Jodi
wood
Unio
Squirrel Creek
Glen
16th
Coronado
625
Lake
ep
De
61st
Zurich Lamar
Lute
is
9th
10th
Hobart
1000
Bruce
12
tes
Sta
U
Central Bush
Rushingwater
Ravenwood
nc
m
Me
Wyandot
Park
Eugene
1050
Pine
Porter Laura
Leslie
ory
ide
ils Tra
Oxbow
9th
10th
700
Canterbury
Coral
Tulip
Birch
nd
ine
Jose
ph
Lenburg
Ela
Elizabeth
Arbors
8th
Lark
la ne Du
Wessex
23 B
ranp
Portage
Vienna
Mulberry
Bend
5th 6th
Luther
10th
13th
ian
Evergreen Sand
Sunrise
7th
Lill
5th7th
irie Pra
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home nt
Fro
Boulder
North 38th
Portage
Tech
Industrial
Liberty
Baldwin
Ash 2nd
w Ne
3rd 4th
Bell
Lakeview
Fraser Rush
dge
37th Rand
Quail Ruta
Old Ri
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
Rush
36th
igan Mich 23rd
Houston
20
Sienna
Duffer
lane
20th
Canary
264
River
bey
Dom
Lake Station
31st
Hobart
Garfield
35th
Plaza
18th
yview tomac Po
Valle
South
Fitz
m Cle
rter
Old Po
Echo
ol Liverpo
I-94
on Carls Eagle Old Porter
x Esse
21st
Parke
28th
I-
I-80
20th 21st
I-80 23rd I-80 25th
24th
0 I-8 Donna
80
port
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
ram
North Boo
am
Daniel Burh
Indigo
rt
South
Ho we Beam
Lawson
Burns Harbor Boo
s
15th
Sheperd Ameriplex
am
ba
Stat
Porter
Highway 12
Ad
Ho
ach
geco
Sta
Shell
Melton
9th 9th
Oak Ridge
6th
15th
United States
e Road 249
Marine
5th
I-90
I-90
Sta
United
ay 12
hw tes Hig
Wahl
5th Miller 5th
6th
Diana
Tr
Pottowatami
rold
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Hemlock Parke
10th 12th 13th
Ha
Ash Ash
Birch
3rd
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Forest
Maple
Fra
Forest Fir
Pine
Oak Locust
te quet Mar
Juniper
t
Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
d nite
Rodgers
Ship
Shore Turret
t
Dune Acres
Miami
Lake Michigan
W es
Hill
Summitt
Bote Roskin
Main
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
15
ANALYSIS
Kankakee River
Water Resources
The history of the Kankakee Valley is ancient, perhaps extending back 10,000 years to when much of the area was covered by the Grand Kankakee Marsh. The river area’s was used by Native Americans and traders prior to its channelization for agricultural drainage.
Porter County is one of three Indiana counties that form Lake Michigan’s south shore. The lake is one of the country’s premier natural resources. People escaping city life in Chicago for more than a century have taken the South Shore train to second homes along Lake Michigan. These same waterways provide recreational opportunities including fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. These opportunities are the subject of the Greenways & Blueways Plan.
These water resources did not present themselves as tourist attractions until railroads began to lace the county in the middle of the nineteenth century. More than one president has spent time hunting and fishing at the Collier Lodge on the Kankakee River at the turn of the century. Collier Lodge on Baum’s Bridge Road at the Kankakee River represents the appeal that the southern portion of the County has for tourists and residents. The Kankakee is the site for a multi-year archeological dig conducted by the head of the Notre Dame Anthropology Department. To date artifacts possibly 8,000 years old have been found at what may have been a primary crossing and settlement area. When the grand marsh of the Kankakee was drained and the river was straightened, the ecosystem changed, tourists stopped coming and the lodge business subsided. The Kankakee Fish and Wildlife area provides canoe access off of SR 8 within LaPorte County to the east. The Greenways & Blueways Plan, adopted by the Northwest Indiana Regional Plan Commission (NIRPC) in 2007, suggests that current state and county highway access points to the Kankakee River be improved.
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The lake areas between SR 49 and Meridian Road also bring visitors to Liberty Township to enjoy the woods and rolling hills.
Agriculture Agriculture, historically, has been the predominant industry in Indiana. Early settlers to Porter County were farmers, but farming as a significant part of the economy was greatly enhanced when the Kankakee Reclamation Company channeled the River and created drainage ditches in the early 20th century. What had previously been marsh was converted to fertile tillable soil in much of the southern half of the county. However, while the agricultural industry grew, tourism for the Kankakee River declined due to the alterations.
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Profile: Cultural Corridors The ribbons of highway that traverse Porter County offer much more than a way to travel from one place to another. This profile includes suggestions to enhance the experience by tourists and locals alike.
Agritourism “Agritourism” is a term used for agricultural practices that focus on entertainment or direct sale to a customer of locally grown food, in coordination with continued traditional agricultural business practices. Opportunities for agritourism include small nurseries, the production and on-site sale of farm-raised goods (dairy products, grass-fed beef, etc), school and educational trips, and entertainment activities such as “you pick” orchards and pumpkin patches, historically themed working farms, hay rides, or corn mazes. Agritoursim is usually attractive to small or independent farm owners. The collections of farm buildings and surrounding farmland can “tell a story” about a particular place and its evolution over the years. Family-owned, multi-generational farms maintain connections to the community. The importance of the rural/agricultural architecture and how structures relate to the land should be maintained, and secondary land uses within the community that supported the farming community as a whole should be preserved in order to protect not only the physical structures but also the history itself.
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Recreation Resources Porter County is bordered on the north by Lake Michigan and on the south by the Kankakee River. US 231 (extending south of SR 2) and SR 49 both extend to the Kankakee River, and SR 49 provides direct access to Indiana Dunes State Park on the lakeshore. These waterways, along with blueways such as Salt Creek, provide recreational opportunities including fishing, canoeing, and bird watching.
Identifying Cultural Resources Currently early life in Porter County is memorialized by three historic markers designating: 1) the Tassinong Village, oldest in northern Indiana - SR 49; 2) Huakiki Village, oldest Potowatomi Village - SR 8; and 3) Margaret Bryant, first white child born in 1837 - SR 8. In addition to these historic sites there are several areas within Porter County that are environmentally significant, including natural wooded areas, wetlands, creeks and streams, and wildlife habitat among others. These features can also be marked or made available for public interaction through the use of roadside interpretive areas which could include rest areas, roadside parks, viewpoints, heritage markers, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and park and ride lots. These areas can be developed in a way that promotes context sensitive and sustainable design.
Adopted 05/19/2009
17
ANALYSIS
Corridor Existing Land Use The Corridor Existing Land Use map reflects the current land uses on each corridor. These land uses represent improved land in contrast to naturally developed land (woodlands, cropland, recreation areas, and wildlife areas). The majority of improved land is residential with some commercial development. Institutional and recreational uses, including schools, utility facilities, parks, wildlife areas, golf courses, and similar uses, are scattered along each corridor. The existing land use map was used to create the Corridor Characteristics map (page 23). The existing land uses as shown in the Corridor Existing Land Use map may not be consistent with or reflect current zoning, which will not be affected by the Corridor Plan.
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Unnamed
950
Rolling Meadows Shebel
Alcin
Unnamed
Willow Flynn Plain
900
B
Haskell
l Mil w elo Big
900
1025
1100
Main Illinois 1050
675
1050
PORTER
1175
650
LAPORTE
550 500
Improved Land
1550
1600
Developed Land
575
1100
County Line
550
450
Woodlands
1850
1050
Church
Water Designated Parks, Recreation, and Wildlife Areas
State Highway 8
Kelvyn
1150
300
450
State Road 8
Uninterrupted open space (meadows, large yards)
Mill
Main
125
Cropland 1800
County Highway 1185
Smoke
50
1500
Legend
Ross
2100
600
Roads
400
1000
1050
Major Corridors
1000
2200
1050
325
Proposed Roads
2300
Millers
Abandoned Rail
1125
2350 1050
Active Rail
350
300
United States Highway 421
1100
50
150
Ba
State Road 49
um
sB
275
ridg e
950
250
500
1400
1700
550 600
150
150 150
200
350 350 400
500
475
Circle
1150 S County Road County Line
435 368
525
Meridian
100
175 225
0 30
375
575
Rustic Acres
Bailey
Base Map
575 625
Post
Legion
1350
1125
2400
County Line
200
500
550
Streams
400
Incorporated Areas
ve
r
1500
County Line
1400 1200
1400
5
County Road 600
County Road 1350
Project Study Area 550
Road 142
County Road 1350
500
County
County Road 1450
400
1400
Toto
350
1100
Ri
Lake / Water Bodies
650
State Road 10
300
Cardinal
ee
250
200
1400
1300
ak
County Road 180
1450
350
450
550
600
1350
400
1400
rd
nk
100
esap Win Old Orc ha
3 Miles
500
1400
Ka
1600
State Road 231
2
700
Halleck
900
United States Highway 30 High
Naturally Developed Land
250
450
Norbeh Oakbrook
Kouts
e
950
1100 Elm
2 oad te R Sta
450
400
Niles
195
350
100
350
400
400
McKinley
Dik Randolph
1000
1100
1200
8th
1st
150
650
Daumer
125
15th
Earl Carrie
1200
1200
0 1/2 1
1000
1400
Center
625
Hunter Elk Dodge
600 Old
575 600 564 575
Kaper
400
325 State Road 49
150
300
388 Walnut
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
Corridor Existing Land Use 1400
1050
550
Sundew
ale dowd Mea
500 500
400
Rigg Montdale
e ton
Laurelwood Pinehurst
ay 30
150 75
300
540
325
250
1800
1600
1500
County Line
650
400 Northfield
325
Rigg
in Ca
Engle
Ra
Industrial
ys
Sturdy
100
Highw
Oak Breeze
Acorn
217th
1150
575
450 475
350
300 Deerfield
Bartz
Club Spyglass
Silhavy
Shaker
Dove Mayfield
Greenwich
Hearthstone
30
States
Nathan
100
49
1025
205th
d
United States Highway 421
500 425
375
345
325 Old Suman
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Kestrel
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et
Ca
age
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Franklin
Smoke
Co Line
600
275
Brummitt
150
State Road 49
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
dsor
Sears Linden
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Heavilin
Ro te Sta
275
100
United
150
2 ad
425
300 Brummitt
it mm
Bru
m
Arbutus Redbud Gra ha
Littler
200
70
Meridian
50 Jade
50
Win Old Oak
Sherwood
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Thornapple Mau mee
Braemar
Kincraig
250
ek
Cre
Calumet
E 31 p ra m Slalom
125
te
Shatz
Lismore
Prentis Froberg s 150
Skyline
Hayes Leonard
Sylvan
350 325
Deerpath
325
Miami
dy
150
nd
100
Laurel Creek
50
Sa
Olivia
5th
11th
50 75
Alpine
200
Pri va
175
250
Kristen
Tower
od wo le id Br
Webbs
375
Devon Carmand
450
Windy Oak
State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
Union
United States Highway 231
Murvihill
in
Harrison
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
Tremont
Carmo
Waverly
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central Chalamel
Penny Morningside
in Ra
nk 8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
50
Elgin
Crocker
25th
Babcock
Pearson
100 Jane 125
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
350
Lakepark
325 325
375
ley
Pix
Timber
Springwood
Allegheny
Bernie
McCool Mc Cool
Robin
475 475 500
York
550 Lourdes
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675 675 700
PORTER
ge
700
100
1014
nta
Rain
r
Warrrick
Fro
Blackthorn
Elw
Walte
Randolph
Mineral Springs
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
450
June
Olympia
550 550
600
1 64 656
687
700
e's
695 725
y Valle
Hid
den
Happy Vall Brandywin ey e County Line
LAKE County Line
Union Montgomery
State Road 149
Carmen
Delta 500
500
625 5th 3rd 1st
650
725
625 White Tail
Roy
al Te
Erie
sta gu Au Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery
Grand
Hancock
on ils
W
Grand
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson State Road 249
Crisman
Samuelson
Austin
Edith
Airport
Teresa
Destiny
Willowcreek
McCool
712
750
675
West Mill
Vigo County Line
Pike
Ontario
Park Pike
Randolph
Knox
Gibson Floyd
150
Willis
Swanson Walsh
Woodbine
Irving Eleanor
Monnier
Bender Fern
Oakwood
Worthington
County Line
Hobart
Parke
750 Grand
Oakhill
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
Swanson Iris
Bryant
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Joann Blake
Union
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby
Union
State Road 51
Floyd
Lisa
Wells
Warren
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Edgewood
Route 51
Hobart Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Warrick
Morgan
Ripley Morgan Orange
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Lake Park
Ash Ash Ellendale
Ash
Ash
Medlee
County Line
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Dekalb
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Lasalle
er Riv
Virginia
Decatur State Clay Benton
State
Benton
Decatur
1000
900
ER RT PO ER SP JA
George
ord
Fairoaks
y
mse
870
150
1700
Gran
1100
200
500
8
1000
Ra
Ash
nd
Rillstone
Reif
700
400
600
750
Oak
Redbow
la
550
700
Corbly
United States Highway 6
Alida
800
400
425
650
Martin
Line nty
550
500
860
1200
ne
Cou
r
200 Norcross
Ida
1st
700
725
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Otis
ning
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r
ge
Elkhart
0
2
be
150
450
670
865
197 Th
Am
475 500
500
Westville 600
125
400
Joliet
gto Arlin
th
50
350
Jefferson Main
Main
Sta
2
300
300
100
250
450
173rd
Clay
30
Lake
or
Division
200
lter
w te H
700
Evans
Meadow Glen
Smith
Fairlane
189th
600
ad
Ro
350
375
400
Old
te
Beechnut
n
M
Comf Martinal Domke
ry
Cou
Sta
525
Vale Park
250 State Road 2
y2
dre
Bowman
Penna Hill
Sa
Fairview
2
500
Bates Alyea Sigler South
2
Rodgers
od
36
F
200
350
500
Harmel
wo
City View
450
Hebron
State Road 2
Alice Chandana
Laporte Union Lin
Axe
Southport
ntrae
650
167th
ata
Kelleewood le Map
ko
700
600
Wesly
Isla nd
150
550
800
6
Hic
argo
St An
600
125
300
Windmill
830
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
South
Factory West
650
Linda
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
Ore
tuck
Musc
375
31
165th
900
er
nd
Ma
700
Valparaiso
Park
200
Jonquill
Burlington Beach Robin
Kraus
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
rd
w
Goodview
350
y2
157th
Diamond
Shasta
600 wa
400
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il Ph
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d
lip
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I-90
950
725
st
125
1050
950
I-80
Johnson
G ra n
400
142nd
1100
g
Meska
638 63 2
St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
Ransom
Galway
e
dS
sale
Balla
Estates
enin
Snyder
1000
Windemere
I-80
I-80
w C re
We
Southfield
State Road 2
Gre
112
310
350
Stony Run
ite
lop
Unknown
Un
ys
Shore
145th
Woodland
275
137th
141st
nn
Lake
129th
250
Loganberry
123rd
Forest View Laurel 100
Meadowood
138
213
e
Rustic
124t h
129th
shor
Lake
121st
Rol
75
198
w
eado
70
Su
ow
S
Park
Division M ling
580
ad
Me
7th Miami
117th
e
lop
ys unn
Larwick
10
112th
113th
50
14
26
eld
106th
109th
38
Kin
Muirfi
Leanna
hill
101st
ney
re
rry
a es
Division
1160
United States Highway 6
Warren
Road 375
Horn
Hack
Lagura
Tr
Fleetwood
Calaveras
Westgate
50
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
153rd
100
50
Joliet
200
Reve
Barbe
49
50
Burdick
1200
s
645
Tanglewood
ffo
mer
99th
th
30
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
th
104
400
County
1225
Stoneridge
Gateway
950
100
50
125 1275
1250
1050
Ridgeway
Cli
Sum
91st
94th
101st 102nd
500
Kimrich
ford
Merrillville 93rd
Robbie
1325
1300
1325
200
1350
811
550
5
ex W
86th
Pheasant Hill
154
97th
149
130
Garnet
Mill
United States Highway 30
89th
95th 96
oad
250
1400
1174
Paul
90
Illinois
4
I-9
Trateba
Alta
625
37
oln
t
Kilarney
ANALYSIS 300
1500
1200
ss la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
Opal
State
ial
1500
1550
775
Meridian Road
365
Jolie
Arbor
Colon
0
y2
wa
igh
I-94
Michae l
Chesterton
Eaglewood
375
Hill
81st
85th
et
te R
Linc
81st
83rd
d
400
b
Old Linc oln
ewoo
550
Sta
450
350
75th
Indiana Bowser
Sta
Jackson 1400
Park
et Calum
61st
Cattail Mallard
tuck
Nan
600
es
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
Hale
Stonegate
850
Midway
tail
Jo
Haven
Indiana Lincoln
Fox Point Jo al tree Crab 1100 Windridge
Sauk
Pin
130
Dalke
875
Prescott
Pin
Norris try Clu
73 rd
h
ort Ainsw
Robbins
Lighthouse
Holmes
Coun
alb
Dek
70th
Marietta
Jodi
900
y
er
Riv
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
Coronado
Veterans
n
Libert
n
Squirrel Creek
wood
Unio
Rushingwater
Glen
16th
Zurich Lamar
Lute
625
Lake
ep
De
61st
1000
Bruce
20
66
n Aspe
9th
10th
Hobart
e
sid
Oxbow
ry
mo
Me
700
Canterbury
il Tra
Brown Wabash
sH
te
d
ite
Un
13
Indian Boundary
Central Bush
Elizabeth
Arbors
Wessex
Coral
Vienna
Ravenwood
Baldwin
9th
ian
5th 6th
5th7th
10th
Luther
10th
13th
Fro
8th
la
ne
Du
Sunrise
7th
Lill
irie
Pra
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home nt w Ne
3rd 4th
Ash 2nd
Boulder
North 38th
Fraser Rush
dge
Ruta
Old Ri
37th Rand
Quail
Wyandot
Bend
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
Tulip
Birch
nd
Eugene
1050
1500
ram p2 5A Saemann
Warren
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
36th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Ela
ine
Jose
ph
Lenburg
Michigami
Park
12
ay
hw
Hig
tes
Sta
Tremont
Riv
Hobart Garfield
35th
23 B
ranp
Tech Industrial
Portage
12
Hjelm
Broadway
Porter Laura
Leslie
31st
Evergreen Sand
Sienna
rter
264
ne erla
Bell
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram Park
ram
Old Po
Echo
ol
Liverpo
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
Parke
28th
igan Mich 23rd
Lake Station
Portage
Houston
bey
Dom
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
20
is nc
21st
Plaza
20th
Eagle Old Porter
South
Fitz
m
Cle
Boo
North Boo
Pine
Fra
I-80
20th 21st
I-80
23rd I-80 25th
24th
0 I-8 Donna 0 I-8 18th
on
Burns Harbor
am Daniel Burh
Duffer
rt
port
Carls
Lawson
x Esse
ba
South
I-94
Ho w
e Beam
Indigo
Ho
ach
geco
Sta
Porter
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
s am Ad
6th
Melton
9th 9th
I-90
I-90
Oak Ridge
United State
hway 12
tes Hig
Sta United
Wahl
5th
15th
15th
Diana
Hemlock
5th Miller 5th
6th
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Tr Pottowatami
Shell
10th 12th 13th
Maple
Parke
3rd
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Ash Ash
Birch
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
te quet Mar Forest
t
Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
Cardinal
Shore Turret
Juniper Forest Fir
Dune Acres
Ship
ited
Un
Miami
Lake Michigan
W es t
Hill
Summitt
Bote Roskin
Main
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
19
ANALYSIS
Corridor Character Summaries Workshop exercises, extensive field work, and analysis of physical features allowed the team to “paint a picture” of the prevailing character of each corridor segment from the motorists’ perspective. These broad “character areas” for the purpose of this Plan are defined below and are illustrated in the Corridor Characteristics map (page 23). The map illustrates how the character, and therefore the issues, transition. These character areas will serve as a framework and basis for recommendations in future chapters.
Natural Character
The County still contains relatively large tracts of natural areas comprised of woodlands, rivers, creeks, and wetlands. The most heavily wooded areas exist along Meridian Road, SR 49 north of Valparaiso, and eastern US 6. The ecology of numerous riparian or stream corridors traversing the county are not only scenic, but also serve an important function within the Lake Michigan and Salt Creek watersheds. The following list summarizes some of the unique aspects of the Natural Character Area.
Rural / Agricultural
Much of Porter County, particularly in the southern section, remains rural in character including SR 2 from CR 350S to the Kankakee River, SR 8, eastern US 30, and SR 49 south of Valparaiso. Crop fields and pasture land are identified on the map. Throughout the public meetings, residents stressed the importance of the farming community and the need to preserve this rural / agricultural setting on certain corridors. Listed below are some of the common features specific to this character area. • Large expanses of contiguous farmland • Uninterrupted / expansive views from the corridor • Limited numbers of homes and/or farmhouses adjacent to the corridor • Infrequent small wooded areas or vegetated fence rows
• Relatively intact wooded and/or riparian areas • Scenic short range views from the corridor • Minimal or well-screened development fronting the corridor • Roadway conforms to the natural contours of the terrain (hills and curves)
20
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Agricultural / Town Transition
As noted previously, much of southern Porter County is rural in nature. However, crossroad towns such as Hebron and Kouts are population centers that serve daily needs in the agricultural region. In most instances, the highways leading into and out of these towns are lined with a mix of individual residences and recent commercial development that supports the community. Although the development is important to the town’s survival, there is a risk that if left unchecked, it may compromise the uniqueness of the community. This pattern of greenfield growth consumes farmland adjacent to towns. Listed below are some of the common features specific to the Agricultural / Town Transition setting. • Low-density development along town edges • Typically commercial and residential growth lining the corridor • Unlimited driveway access and curbcuts • Lack of defined edge(s) between town and country • Varying depth of views due to inconsistency of development (setbacks)
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Scattered Residential Development
Like most counties in Indiana, Porter County is trying to balance the demand for new residential growth with the need to preserve rural character. Scattered Residential Development is characterized by 2 types of single-family developments: (1) residences adjacent to county roads and highways, resulting in a strip of previously agricultural land being parceled into typically 1-10 acre lots, and (2) major subdivisions. • Subdivisions comprised of single-family homes • Conversion of farmland into individual parcels or minor subdivisions • Subdivisions that often “turns its back” to the corridor • Multiple driveways and access points that empty traffic onto county highways resulting in increased traffic and possible congestion
Adopted 05/19/2009
21
ANALYSIS
Scattered Non-Residential Development
Corridor Characteristics Map Symbology Scenic Views
Sporadic commercial development occurs on the corridors throughout the county. Concentrations occur on US 6 west of SR 49, and on Meridian Road. The non-residential development is characterized by: • Small lot retail and service development • Adjacency to incorporated areas • High speed corridors with numerous curbcuts • No “sense of place” or identity • Layout that typically consumes large tracts of land for parking • Individual light industrial parcels • Warehousing
22
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Scenic Views are often expansive and sweeping and are common where large tracts of agricultural land exist. Scenic Views also exist where significant natural features are located. According to public input, these views are very important to Porter County residents.
Major Gateways
Major gateways as identified on the Corridor Characteristics map are the points on major corridors with high traffic counts along the County border.
Minor Gateways Minor gateways are lesser used gateways into Porter County such as along the Kankakee River. Traffic counts may be lower than those of major gateways, but the entry points are highly recognizable.
Porter County Corridor Plan
Center
Unnamed
950
Rolling Meadows Shebel
Willow Flynn
1050
1100
Circle
900
B
Elm 2
Haskell
1150
l Mil w elo Big
P R ER TE RT OR PO
L E TE RT OR PO AP LA
900
1025
1100
S County Road
Main Illinois
County Line
1050
675 550
1050 500
1175
650
525
1550
Scenic Views
400
1600
575
1100
County Line
550
450
550
600
1800
1850
Church
Ag/Town Transition Scattered Residential State Highway 8
Kelvyn
1150
300
450
State Road 8
Natural Setting
Scattered Non-Residential Mill
Main
125
Minor Gateways Rural (Ag) Setting
County Highway 1185
Smoke
150
200
Major Gateways
1050
150
150
50
Plain
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge 600
oad te R Sta
Old
575 600 564 575
450
368
State Road 49
Character
350
195
Meridian
100
175 225
350
1500
Legend
1700
250
0 30 375
Rustic Acres
United States Highway 421
1100
600
Roads
400
State Road 49
50
150
Ba um
sB
250
275
ridg e
350
400
1000
Major Corridors
1000
2200
1050
Proposed Roads
325
2300
2350
Active Rail
350
300
500
Millers
Abandoned Rail
1125
1125
1050
475
500 575 625
Unnamed
Sundew
550
500 500
400
Kaper
400 400
Niles
435
1350
Ross
1800
2400
Toto County Line
200
500
550
1200
1300
350
Streams
400
Incorporated Areas
ive
r
County Line
1400 1200
1400
400
County Road 1350
Project Study Area 550
650
State Road 10
300
County Road 1350
County Road 600
County Road 1450
County Road 142 5
250
100
Cardinal
1400
Lake / Water Bodies
1100
eR
500
ke
County Road 180
1400
nk a
1500
1450
350
450
550
600
1350
400
1400
ard
200
esap Win Old Orc h
3 Miles
500
1400
Ka
1600
State Road 231
2
700
Halleck
Bailey
1400
400
1050
e
900
Alcin
475
400 Northfield
325
Rigg
Rigg Montdale
e ton
325
150
150
300
Kouts
Dik 950
1150
575
650 350
300 Deerfield
Bartz
in
Engle
Ca Industrial
ys Ra
Laurelwood Pinehurst
Smoke
75
150
200
100
350 450
575
Union
ER RT PO ER SP JA
Randolph
1000
1100
1200
County Line
345
325 Old Suman
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Club Spyglass
Dove Mayfield
Sturdy
Hearthstone
100
150
100
McKinley
Daumer
125
1000
8th
Post
Legion
650
1025
0 1/2 1
15th
United States Highway 30 High
Base Map 950
Corridor Characteristics 1400
1st
2100
1600
1400
United States Highway 421
500
425
375
450
Brummitt
150
Kestrel
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et
age
Ca
Shaker
Silhavy
Victoria
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Franklin
Greenwich
r
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
dso
Sears Linden
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Heavilin
Co Line
600
425
300
275
Brummitt
it mm
Bru
m
Arbutus Redbud Gra ha
250
200
70
Meridian
50 Jade
50
Win Old Oak
Sherwood
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Thornapple Mau mee
State Road 49
Slalom
Shatz
Lismore
Prentis Froberg s 150
Skyline
Hayes Leonard
Sylvan Braemar
2 ad Ro te Sta
275 300
Mea dowd ale
Bernie 75
Alpine
125
Pri va te
175
Kristen
Tower
od wo
Webbs
Kincraig
Littler
Calumet
E 31 p ra m
50 100 Jane
125
200
State Road 149
250
350
Lakepark
325 325
le id Br 350 325
325
Miami
dy Carmo
150 Sa nd Cre ek
100
Laurel Creek
5th
11th
50
50
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Waverly
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
Ra nk in
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
Babcock
Elgin
Crocker
Main
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
McCool
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
Mc Cool 375
ley
375
Devon
Carmand Deerpath
Timber
450
540 Norbeh Oakbrook
Harrison
Oak Breeze
Acorn
1500
Earl Carrie
1200
in
United States Highway 231
ay 30
Nathan
388 Walnut
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
100
1014
Highw
Rain
r
Warrrick
325
Elw
Walte
Randolph
Mineral Springs
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Samuelson 450
June
Olympia Robin
475 475
500
Pix
York 550
600
Lourdes
Windy Oak
700 State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
on
ils
Grand
Edith
Airport Delta
500 500
550 550
600
1 64 Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
Springwood
675
Allegheny
695 725
y Valle den
Hid
County Line
Union
Montgomery
656
687 700
675
e's al Te Roy Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
LAKE
PORTER
Randolph Montgomery
Grand
Hancock
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson
State Road 249
Oakhill
Crisman
Carmen
Irving Eleanor
Teresa
Woodbine
625 5th 3rd 1st
650
725
625 White Tail County Line
Erie
sta gu Au Kingsway
Knox
Gibson Floyd
150
Willis
Monnier Destiny
McCool
712
750
675
West Mill
Vigo
Ontario
Pike Park Pike
Randolph
Benton Decatur Elkhart
Austin
Swanson Iris
Willowcreek
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Bryant Bender Fern
Oakwood
Worthington
County Line
Hobart
Parke
750 Grand
Tonia
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
Swanson Walsh
Edgewood
Joann Blake Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Union
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby
Union
State Road 51
Floyd
Lisa
Wells
Warren
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Route 51
Hobart Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Warrick
Morgan
Ripley Morgan Orange
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Lake Henry
Lake Park
Ash
Ash Ellendale
Ash
Ash
Medlee
County Line
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Dekalb
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Lasalle
er Riv
Virginia
Decatur State Clay Benton
State
W
Clay
States
900
205th
217th
George
100
30
United
1700
d
1100
Murvihill
1200
Gran
1000
150
700
y
mse
870
Natural Systems
8
1000
Ra
Ash
200
250
Fairoaks
Reif
Fairlane
Oak
nd
Rillstone
750
Martin
Bates Alyea Sigler South
231 ne
400
600
700
700
860
550
670
United States Highway 6
Alida
800
400
500
650
Corbly
500
500
Blackthorn
Norcross
550
700 725
173rd
Sto
Otis
Harmel
r
ge
Ida
1st
Line
r
425
450
Joliet
Westville
475
500
865
197 Th
2
be
49
400
650
189th
Redbow
la
e
350
450
Am
150
250
Sta
2
600
125
Smith
Jefferson Main
Main
gto Arlin
th
50
Ph
500
31
2
or
150
2
Cou lter
2 wy te H
300
300
100
200
350 375
n
M
Sa
36
ad
Ro
Beechnut
700
Evans
Meadow Glen
400
Hebron
State Road 2
Vale Park
Fro Comf nta ord g
Martinal Domke
350
500
Division
375
y2
167th
600
525
Bowman
Penna Hill
Goodview
550
800
Laporte Union
City View
Shasta
600
165th
Kelleewood le Map
Alice Chandana
Lin wo od
450
142nd
157th
Isla nd
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
Fairview
Larwick
580
153rd
Wesly
200
250 State Road 2
400
Old
te
Sta
dre
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
South
700
600
600
Linda
ko ry
o Farg
Jonquill
Valparaiso
Park
Factory West
w
Hic
St An
112
350
600
wa
Vie
Burlington Beach Robin
Southfield
State Road 2
tate
igh
k atatuc Musc
nd
Kraus
Ore
Balla ntrae
Estates
6
700
650
Johnson
ra
p illi
dS
sH
Forest View Laurel
310
350
Stony Run
ite
e
Unknown
Un
lop
Shore
145th
250
do Mea
100
Woodland
213
275
137th
141st
ys
Lake
129th
ling
Meadowood
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
Rol
75
e
Rustic
shor
129th
nn
nn
Su
Park Lake
124t h
e
p yslo
w
70
Su
ow
ad
Me
7th Miami
121st
50
Division
Diamond
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
rd
Calaveras
Horn
Hack ney
Lagura
eld
10
112th
113th
117th
38
14
26
Road 375
Muirfi
106th 109th
hill
101st
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
mer
99th
th
50
th
101st 102nd 104
100
50
Leanna
97th
94th
Joliet
Westgate
Sum
91st
95th 96
400
ffo
200
G
St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
Ransom
725
st
125
300 Windmill
830
Meska
638 63 2
Axe
89th
sale
Southport
Merrillville 93rd
30
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
ford
Pheasant Hill
154
900
r
de
nty
United States Highway 30
I-90
w C re
We
200
950
I-80
950
United States Highway 6
Warren
Kin
Cli
1000
Windemere
n Ma
125
1050
Cou
t
Tr
Fleetwood
Galway
Jolie
400 County
1100
Gre enin g
I-80
I-80
Snyder
ning Gree
365
ex W
86th
85th
500
re
Stoneridge
a es
Division
1160
Reve
rry
49
50
Burdick
1200
s
645
Tanglewood
550
Kimrich
Garnet
Mill
81st
83rd
Robbie
1225
775
Meridian Road
5
oln
149
1275
1250
Barbe
Ridgeway
100
50
125
811
625
130
400
350
Linc
oad
0 30
Illinois
1325
1300
Trateba
Alta
200
1350
1174
Paul
Gateway
950
250
1400
1050
Eaglewood
375
Hill
coln
81st
State
te R
Lin
Old
550
Sta
450
Cattail Mallard
37
Ain
75th
la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
Kilarney
90
Jo
Haven
ss
4
I-9
1325
1200
n
tail
61st
b
rd
cket
tu Nan
600
es
United States Highway 6
Midway
ial
Stonegate
850
750 Lahonda
Pin ewoo d
130
Norris try Clu
73
h swort
875
Sauk
Holmes
Coun
alb
Dek
70th
Robbins
Lighthouse
y
er
Riv
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
Veterans
n
Libert
n
Marietta
Dalke
wood Glen
Unio
Coronado
625
16th
Squirrel Creek
Jodi
Prescott
Pin
l
Colon
Aspe
9th
10th
Hobart
Lake
ep
De
61st
Zurich Lamar
Lute
Rushingwater
Oxbow
ry
mo
Me
700
Canterbury
Sunrise
9th
Wessex
Coral
Michae
Opal
ian
5th 6th
5th7th
10th
ne
Du
1000
Bruce
900
Arbors
Fro
8th
Luther
10th
13th
Lill w
7th
irie
Pra
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home nt Ne
3rd 4th
Ash 2nd
Fraser Rush
dge
Ruta
Old Ri
North 38th
Rand
Quail
Boulder
e
sid
il Tra
Jo al 1100
Central Bush
Elizabeth Ravenwood
Baldwin
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
37th
Jos
eph
Wyandot
Bend
36th
Tulip
Birch
d lan
ine
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
36th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
ranp
Ela
Vienna
1050
Arbor
ANALYSIS
300
1500
Jackson 1400
Park
Indiana Bowser
1500
1550
I-94
Lake
Hobart Garfield
35th
Evergreen Sand
Lenburg
Windridge
20
Rodgers
31st
Bell
Portage
Indiana Lincoln
Sta
U
13
Indian Boundary
Brown Wabash
0
y2
wa
igh
sH
te
ed nit
Hale
ram p2 5A Saemann
Warren
Fox Point tree
Crab
12
ay
hw
Hig
66
et Calum
ne
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
Eugene
Industrial
264
la River
igan Mich 23rd
21st
23 B
Tech
1500
Chesterton
Park
Porter Laura
Leslie
ol
Liverpo
Do
20
Sienna
Echo
28th
20th
Portage
Houston
y mbe
Lake Station
Parke
23rd I-80 25th
24th
Plaza
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
Michigami
Broadway
tes
Sta
Tremont
20th 21st
I-80
0 I-8 18th
on Carls Eagle Old Porter
South
Fitz
m Cle
rter
Old Po
Pine
12
Hjelm Cardinal
I-80
I-94
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram Park
ram
Duffer
15th
15th
0 I-8 Donna
Boo
x
rt
Beam
North Boo
Indigo
ba
we
Lawson
Burns Harbor
am Daniel Burh
s am Ad
Ho
South Shell
6th
Melton
9th 9th
port
h coac
ge Sta
Ho
Esse
5th
I-90
I-90
Oak Ridge
Porter
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
States
United
United State
ay 12 Highw
Wahl
5th Miller 5th
6th
Diana
Tr
Pottowatami
rold
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Hemlock Parke
10th 12th 13th
Ha
Ash Ash
Birch
3rd
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Mar Forest
Maple
t Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
is nc Fra
Juniper Forest Fir
Pine
Oak Locust
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
t
ited
Un
Miami
Lake Michigan te quet
Hill
Summitt
Bote Roskin
Olivia
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
W es
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
23
ANALYSIS
Transportation Introduction The County’s transportation network including those that are the subject of this study and those corridors that provide alternative vehicular or non-motorized transportation must be integrally planned to work safely and efficiently. The smart planning will result in smart growth and will spur economic development. Understanding the challenges and characteristics of each corridor will provide a framework for developing standards and recommendations for efficient and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Vehicular Functional Classifications The functional classification system used by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) divides roadways into three main types (Interstate, Arterial, and Collector) and then divides them further into rural and urban roads. Interstates are direct routes, intended to move high volumes of traffic quickly, with no stops and very limited access in the form of merging vehicles. Arterials (such as northern SR 49) are major corridors that connect destinations, have higher posted speeds, and carry a high volume of traffic. Collectors (such as the midsection of Meridian Rd) connect local streets to arterials within an urban or rural setting. Meridian Road is designated a collector, but with an urban function. Corridors with urban functional classifications often contain elements such as sidewalks, curbs, and underground stormwater collection. Corridors with rural functional classifications often include gravel shoulders, open swales for stormwater drainage, and sidewalks are generally not included. Many of the study corridors are classified as arterial highways. With the exception of Meridian Road, all study corridors are under state (INDOT) jurisdiction. These highways may be multi-lane or single-lane, with varying degrees of access. *
24
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
The Functional Classifications identified in the INDOT Functional Classifications map (page 25) are current as of May 2008.
Porter County Corridor Plan
Center
Unnamed
950
Rolling Meadows
Shebel
Willow Flynn
1050
Plain
900
B
Circle
2
575
Haskell
Mil
l
1150
w elo Big
600 564
Main Illinois
County Line
900
1025
1100
S County Road
575
Bailey
500
1050
675
1400
1050
PORTER
LAPORTE
550
1350
1500
1175
650 525
1550
Legend
575
2
1100
Number of Lanes 2 lanes
1700
Functional Class Interstate
600
550
County Line
550
450
1600
(recent as of 2008) 1800
1850
1050
Urban Arterials County Highway 1185
Church
2
Rural Arterials Rural Collectors State Highway 8
Local Roads
Kelvyn
1150
300
450
State Road 8
Urban Collectors
Ross
Mill
Main
125
1100 Elm
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
600
oad te R Sta
Old
500
450
350
195
150 50
Post
Legion
150
600
Smoke
150
200
Unnamed
Sundew
550 wdale Mea do 500
1st
368
State Road 49
150 Meridian
150
225
Base Map 1100
2100
600
275
1000
1050
325
Abandoned Rail
2300
Millers
Active Rail
1125
2350
High Voltage Lines
350
300
2200
Proposed Roads
1050
50
400
State Road 49
Ba
150
Roads
1000
United States Highway 421
e ridg um sB
250
500
Earl Carrie United States Highway 30 High
1200
435
Niles
400
30
150 75 100
100
175
250
350 400
475
Alcin
475
400
Northfield 400
Kaper 400
ay 30
400
2400
Toto
Lake / Water Bodies
County Line
200
500
550
County Line 1200
1400
Project Study Area
County Road 1350
550
5
1100
Road 142
County Road 1350
County Road 600
County
County Road 1450
500
450
1400
400
350
400
200
Cardinal
r
1500
1400
400
Incorporated Areas
ve
650
State Road 10
300
550
600
1350
1400
Ri
250
3 Miles
1450
ee
350
Streams
1300
ak
County Road 180
esap Win Old Orc ha rd
nk
100
State Road 231 1400
Ka
1600
2
500
1400
700
Halleck
900
1150
575
650
350 325
Rigg Rigg
Montdale
Laurelwood Pinehurst
Highw
Oak Breeze
400
2
1050
e
950
County Line
345
325 Old Suman
300 Deerfield e ton
325
States
Nathan
100
Kouts
Dik
Randolph
1000
1100
United States Highway 421
500 425
375
450
Brummitt
in
Engle
Ca
Industrial
4
Ra
ys
Sturdy 150
100
Bartz
Club Spyglass
Shaker
Dove Mayfield
Greenwich
Hearthstone
Smoke
Co Line
600
275
425
300 Brummitt
it mm
Bru
m
Arbutus Redbud Gra ha
Littler
200 200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Kestrel
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et
age
Ca
Silhavy
Victoria
Valley Vill
Franklin
Heavilin
250
ek
Cre
150
State Road 49
70
Bloomingdale
Valparaiso
Sears Linden
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Thornapple Mau mee
Ro te Sta
275 350
325
Miami
Teale
Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
dy
150
nd
100
Calumet
E 31 m p ra
Slalom
Meridian Farmdale
Campbell
dsor Win
Old Oak
Sherwood
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Sa
Olivia
50
Laurel Creek
5th 11th
50
50 Bernie
75
Alpine
50 50
Jade
Kincraig
2 ad
Carmo
Waverly
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central Chalamel
Penny Morningside
kin Ra n
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
125
te
Shatz 150
Sylvan Braemar
325
300 350 0 30 375
575
Rustic Acres 500
950
575
625
United States Highway 231
1014
100 Jane 125
200
Pri va
175
Kristen Webbs
Skyline
id Br
350
Hayes Leonard
le
wo
od
325
375 ley Pix 375
Devon Carmand
Deerpath
540
450
Norbeh Oakbrook
Union Warrrick
Pearson
Babcock
Elgin
Crocker
State Road 149
250
Lismore
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
350
Lakepark
325
Tower
Prentis Froberg s
McCool Mc Cool
Robin
475 475 500
York
Timber
450
Windy Oak
700
State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
Harrison
Randolph
Mineral Springs
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
Austin
450
June
Olympia
550 550 550 Lourdes
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Springwood
675
Allegheny
695
725
y Valle den
Hid
County Line
Union
Montgomery
Division
100
United
Rain
Grand
Delmar
675 e's al Te Roy
Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
LAKE
PORTER
Montgomery
Grand Hancock
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson State Road 249
Crisman
Carmen
Delta
500 500
625
5th 3rd 1st
650
625 600
1 64 656
687
700 County Line
Erie
sta gu Au
Kingsway
Randolph Randolph
Gibson
Edith
Airport
Teresa
Destiny
Willowcreek
McCool
712
750 725
750 Vigo
Ontario
Pike Park Pike
Knox
Decatur
150
Willis
Swanson Walsh
Woodbine
Irving Eleanor
Monnier
Bender Fern
Oakwood
Worthington
County Line
675
Parke
West Mill
White Tail
State Road 51 Grand
Oakhill
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
Swanson Iris
Bryant
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Edgewood
Union
Hillcrest
Shelby
Union
Hobart
Ash
Lisa
Warren
Wells
County Line
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Joann Blake
Morgan
Ripley
Morgan Orange
Route 51
Hobart Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Wayne
Howard
Grand
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Lake Park
Ash Ash Ellendale
Ash
Medlee
Warrick
Ripley
Hamilton
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Dekalb
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Lasalle
r Riv e
Virginia
Decatur State
Floyd
Clay Benton State
Benton
Floyd
Elkhart
1100
1200
George
Ash
8th
Oak
Murvihill
in
Clay
Otis
1000
1125
0 1/2 1
15th
870
1200
1000 1400
700
Major Corridors
Functional Classifications 1400
United States Highway 6
Alida
150
McKinley
1800
1600
1500
217th
Line
200
2
1025
205th d
500
650
Daumer
500
Westville
gton
Acorn
Gran
Sta
Arlin Redbow
49
Elw
Jeflynn
Joliet
400
700
125
ne
nty
42
Bowman
388 Walnut
Jefferson
Jefferson Main
Main
860
300
Fairoaks
850
lter
800
400
2
1200 Sto
Cou
2
r
250
325
350 375
600
900
ER RT PO ER SP JA
Cou
w te H
300
300
1700
197 Th
ning Gree
nd
be
500
y
mse
la
Beechnut
400
2
Blackthorn
425
8
1000
Ra
ad
Ro
200
Norcross
2
350
700
Am
150
100
231
0 30
Lake
Harmel
r
700
750
r Walte
2
600
550
670
865
ry
Rillstone
700
Reif
Rodgers
90
Ida
on
ils
W
2
th
ko
Old
te
Sta
525
Evans
150
200
650
Fairlane
700
600
200
250 State Road 2
y2
125
450
Corbly
2
189th
50
Goodview
550
Martin
Bates Alyea Sigler South
or
2
go Far
dre
Laporte
4 2
Meadow Glen
475
1st
6
Hic
St An
Fro Comf nta ord ge
400
550
2 3 32
Vale Park
125
300
Windmill
830
112
500
Hebron
173rd
2
Martinal Domke
450
725
M
350
450
er nd Ma
4
Cascade
Penna Hill
il Ph
500
900
s
500
Chicago
od
250
350
I-90
100
2
Estates
200
950
I-80
600
Kelleewood le Map
Alice Chandana
36
600
State Road 2
ge
Shasta
650
800
City View
1000
950
725
Sa
ntrae
nd
125
1050
700
2 4 4 wo
lip
31
165th
ata
ing
Windemere
650
Snyder
1100
Gre en
I-80
Linda
Laporte Union
Axe
Larwick
eld
2
y2
167th
tuck
South
re
Wesly
Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Lincolnway Wood Chicago
Lin
Division
1160
United States Highway 6
Cedar
Brown
Factory West
Balla
375
2
2
42
Reve
rry
4
50
Burdick
1200
Jonquill
Wall Vale Park Glendale
400
142nd
157th
Musc
Muirfi
State Road 2
tate
wa
4
Park
Ore
Isla
Smith
600
igh
2
1225
Barbe
Valparaiso
Fairview
ney
Lagura
Opal
Southport
Horn
Kraus
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
rd
w
Burlington Beach Robin
Southfield
310
dS
sH
400
Road 375
Calaveras
Hack
Leanna
250
350
Stony Run
ite
e
Unknown
Un
lop
Shore
145th
Woodland
213
275
137th
100
Meadowood
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
129th
141st
ys
Lake
h
75
e
Rustic
shor
124t
129th
Park Lake
121st
nn
Su
Su
ow
117th
30
Division
70
Joliet
200
dow Mea ling Rol Forest View Laurel
580
ad
Me
7th Miami
pe
lo nnys
400 County
Diamond
Ransom
ffo
hill
10
112th
113th
50
sale
Cli
mer
106th 109th
14
26
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
500
Kimrich
Sum
50
38
et Calum
ford
101st
Robbie
Westgate
th
99th
153rd
2
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
100
50
Tremont
ex W
86th
Pheasant Hill
94th
101st 102nd
th
149
130
Kin
Vie
St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
100
50
1275
Meska
Johnson
G ra
nd
1325
125
1250
I-80
Trateba
200
1350
1300
1325
Stoneridge
Gateway
950
250
1400
1050
638 63 2
Warren
4 I-9
Jackson 1400
1174
Paul
ANALYSIS
300
1500
1200
ss la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
aw Cre es st We
645
Tr
Fleetwood
Galway
4
United States Highway 30
91st
104
oad
2
Tanglewood
l
ial
Kilarney
49
Ridgeway
550
5
t
Merrillville
97th
te R
Garnet
Mill
Jolie
89th
95th 96
Sta
Cardinal
130
775
625
Michae Colon
1500
1550
I-94
Arbor
24 4 2
811
Meridian Road
365
154
93rd
Cattail Mallard
37
oln
81st
85th
United States Highway 6
Hale
4
Alta
Eaglewood
2
550
Illinois
Jo al 1100
Stonegate
850
375
Hill
Linc
81st
83rd
d
et
400
Haven
350
Linc oln
ewoo
tuck
Nan
State
Windridge
Indiana Bowser
Sta
Un
20
n
Jo
450
b
Old
es
Indiana Lincoln
2
Sauk
Midway
600
2
900
42
750 Lahonda
Prescott
61st
try Clu
rd
875
Pin
tail
Norris
75th
24
Pin
Coun
alb
Dek 73
h
ort Ainsw
Robbins
Lighthouse
Holmes
y
er
Riv
70th
Marietta
Veterans
n
Libert
n
n Bracke er Eld
Coronado
2
Dalke
wood
Unio
62nd
Squirrel Creek
Jodi
Glen
16th
Zurich Lamar
Lute
625
Lake
ep
De
61st
1000
Bruce
Rushingwater
Ravenwood
Brown Wabash
0
y2
wa
igh
sH
te
d ite
Park
Indian Boundary
Warren
Fox Point tree
Crab
12
ay
hw
Hig
66 13
Aspe
9th
10th
Hobart
e
sid
il Tra
Elizabeth
1500
4 Chesterton
Park
tes
Sta
ram p2 5A Saemann
Central Bush
Oxbow
ry
mo
Me
700
Canterbury
Ela
1050
is
5th 6th
Wessex
Coral
Sunrise
9th
10th
ne
Du
Jos
Arbors
ian
Luther
10th
13th
Lill
5th7th
8th
ie
ir Pra
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home
nt w
7th
Fro
Fraser Rush
Ash 2nd
Ne
3rd 4th
Ruta
dge
North 38th
Rand
Quail
Boulder
Tulip
Birch
d lan
Lenburg ine
Vienna
eph
Wyandot
Baldwin
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
37th
ranp
Portage
12
Hjelm
Michigami
Broadway
Mulberry
Bend
36th
Evergreen Sand
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
36th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Bell
Eugene
Industrial
264
Hobart
Garfield
35th
Lundy
23 B
Tech
Park
Porter Laura
Leslie
ne
igan Mich 23rd
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
la River
Dom
20
Sienna
Echo
28th
ol Liverpo
Old Ri
21st
20th
Portage
Houston
bey
Lake Station
Parke
23rd I-80 25th
Plaza
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
Pine
nc
24th
I-80
20th 21st
I-80
0 I-8 18th
on Carls Eagle Old Porter
South
Fitz
m Cle
rter
Old Po
Duffer
15th
15th
I-94
0 I-8 Donna
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
ram
x Esse
Ho ba rt
South
Boo
North Boo
Indigo
6th
Melton
9th 9th
I-90
I-90
port
h
coac
ge Sta
Beam
Wahl
5th
Ho we
Lawson
Burns Harbor am
Daniel Burh
s am Ad
6th
M
7th
10th
12th 13th
5th Miller 5th
Shell
6th r Mille
iller
Oak Ridge
Porter
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
States
United
United State
ay 12 Highw
Hemlock Parke
Daley
Diana
Tr
Pottowatami
ld
Ash Ash
Birch
3rd
6th
Ha ro
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
t
Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
Fra
Juniper Forest Fir
Maple
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
Pine
Oak Locust
t
ited
Un
Miami
Lake Michigan te quet Mar Forest
Hill
Summitt
Bote Roskin
Main
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
W es
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
25
Unnamed
Rolling Meadows
950
United States Highway 421
Shebel
Willow Flynn
1050
1100 Elm
Circle
900
w
Mil
l
Haskell
1150
elo Big
900
1025
1100
S County Road
Main Illinois
County Line
1050
675
PORTER
1050
650
1175 575
1100
550
County Line
600
30,000 - 34,999 1050
1850
35,000 - 39,999
County Highway 1185
40,000+ 1150
No Data
Mill
State Highway 8
!
2100
United States Highway 421
1100
400
State Road 49
600
Major Corridors
1000
Roads
1000
2200
1050
Proposed Roads
Millers
2350
Active Rail
350
!
2300
Abandoned Rail
1125
1050
195
LAPORTE
550 500
525 450 450
300
State Road 8
! !
Kelvyn
275
2400
1200 County Line
500
Lake / Water Bodies Streams
Incorporated Areas
ve
r
250
County Road 1450 Road 142
400
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
5
County Road 600
County Road 180
County
400
County Line
1400 1200
1400
Project Study Area 550
1100
Ri
500
ee
Toto
350
1300
ak
300
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
B
Center
625
2 oad te R
600 564 575
450
400
Church
!
325
Cardinal
1400
Plain
Hunter Elk Dodge 600
Sta Old 575
400
Kaper
400
Laurelwood Pinehurst
Niles
435 368
25,000 - 29,999
Base Map
dge
50
1400
1550
1600
15,000 - 19,999
Ross
nk
100
450
Unnamed
Sundew
550
ale dowd Mea
500 500
Northfield
325
Rigg
Rigg 325
Ra
ys
ton
e
Montdale
Industrial
State Road 49
Main
!
1500
1450
350
400
500
10,000 - 14,999
1800
200 550
600
1350
ard
200
State Road 231
3 Miles
5,000 - 9,999
350
550
700
Bri um s Ba
150 300
550
1400
700
900
Halleck
8th
1400
1,000 - 4,999
600
Ka
1600
Alcin
475
400
125
150
250
575
500
1125
1500
1700
! !
1050
(20032005)
1400
Traffic Counts (AADT) 0 - 999
400
550
!
e 950
1000
1100
1200
15th
County Line
650 350
Old Suman 300 Deerfield
Bartz
in Ca
Engle
Dove Mayfield
150
150 Smoke
50
225
200
! ! ! ! !
Daumer
Dik Randolph
1400
1150
575
450 345
325 325
Littler
200
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Club Spyglass Silhavy
Shaker Sturdy
100
150 75
150
Co Line
600 500
275
425
425
300 Brummitt
Arbutus Redbud Gra ham Brummitt Bru mm it
250
ek
Cre
Kestrel
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et
Ca
age
Greenwich
Smoke Meridian
100
175 250
350 350
400
475
State Road 49
Victoria
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Hearthstone
Heavilin
100
350
30 0 375
575
Rustic Acres
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Carmo dy
150
d 150
70
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
dsor
Sears Linden
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Meagher
Franklin
150
2 ad Ro te Sta
275
300
540
450
Norbeh Oakbrook
625
United States Highway 231
1014
Harrison
Miami
E Slalom
Meridian
50 Jade
50
Win Sherwood
Old Oak
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Thornapple Mau mee
Braemar
Kincraig
m p
31
Bernie 75
Alpine
125
ate
Shatz
Skyline
Hayes Leonard
Sylvan
350 325
ra
50 100 Jane
125
200
Pri v
175 Lismore
Prentis Froberg s 150
wo
od
325
le id Br
Webbs
375
Devon Carmand
Deerpath
Timber
450
Windy Oak
Sa n
100
Calumet
50
Laurel Creek
5th
11th
50
Mineral Springs
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Waverly
Main Chalamel
Penny Morningside
in Ra
nk 8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
Babcock
Elgin
Crocker
State Road 149
250
Kristen
350
Lakepark
325
Tower
McCool Mc Cool
375
ley
500
Pix
York Springwood
675
Allegheny
695 725
y Valle
700 State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar Harrison
500
Union Warrrick
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
McCool
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
450
June
Olympia Robin
475 475
550 550 Lourdes
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675
e's al Te Roy
den
Hid
Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
LAKE
PORTER
County Line
Union Montgomery
Randolph
Grand
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
Edith
Airport Delta
500 500
550
625 600
1 64 656
687 700 County Line
Erie
sta gu Au
Randolph
Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery
Grand
Hancock
150
Willis
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson
State Road 249
Crisman
Carmen
Teresa
Woodbine
Irving Eleanor
Monnier Destiny
Willowcreek
625 650
725
750
Vigo
Ontario
Pike Park Pike
Knox
Gibson Floyd
Austin
Swanson Iris
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Bryant Bender Fern
Oakwood
Swanson Walsh
Worthington
712
750
5th 3rd 1st
County Line
675
Parke
West Mill
White Tail
State Road 51 Grand
Oakhill
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Joann Blake
Edgewood
Union
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby
Union
Hobart
Ash
Floyd
Lisa
Wells
Warren
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Route 51
Hobart Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Warrick
Morgan
Ripley Morgan Orange
Grand Jay Laporte Marion Lake Park
Ash
Ash Ellendale
Ash
Medlee
Virginia
County Line
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Dekalb
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Lasalle
r Riv e
Decatur State Clay Benton
State
Benton Decatur Elkhart
150
McKinley
Jefferson
850
! !
Jeflynn
Bailey
Indirect points of access that contribute to increased traffic 1350 along the corridors
Rain
2
Legion
Secondary
20,000 - 24,999
!! Kouts ! !
!
Earl Carrie
Points of direct access by United States Highway 30 multi-unit Higresidential neighh 1st borhoods Post or commercial uses
!
!
950
Corridor Access Points 1400
26
0 1/2 1
Primary 1200
500
!
esap Win Old Orc h
Any point along the corridors where two through-roads intersect.
650
Fairoaks
!
George
1000
1500
217th
1100
1600
Oak
d
!
30
Acorn
Gran
ne
!
!
49
1800
205th
Li nty
ay 30
400
in
!
Ash
Cou
300
!! ! ! !
Elw
Clay
Otis
ning Highw
Oak Breeze
250
388 Walnut
1025
! !
States
200
! ! !
125
ne
United
Blackthorn
325
1000
Intersection
100
Nathan
!
100
1200 Sto
Gree
Murvihill
1700
197 Th
!
!!
870
Corridor Access
150
100
! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !
900
y mse
800
Legend 200
! ! !
Norcross
! !
Reif
1000
Ra
0 30
Lake
Harmel
r
! !!!
ER RT PO ER SP JA
ge
700
860
! !! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! !
! ! !
425
!8 !
r
231
nta
United States Highway 6
Alida
400
Rillstone
Walte
! !!! !
Fro
! ! !!
700
750
!
400
150
450
550
Fairlane
189th
ord
50
650
!
nd
!
!!!!!! ! !
400
Martin
!
Redbow
la
Joliet
500
600
Arlin
th
Comf
350
670
Bates Alyea Sigler South
! !
Jefferson Main
Main
500
gton
or
125
r
Cou lter
2 wy
! Westville
2
300
300
!!
Meadow Glen
p illi Ph
Corbly
Rodgers
90
ge
Martinal
Domke
be
350 375
700
! !! 2!
!!
ad
Ro
! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !
Evans
Division
200
700 725
M
Sa
! ! !
!! ! ! ! ! 2
City View
250
1st
Vale Park
112
Ida
on
ils
W
State Road 2
Penna Hill
100
650
865
173rd
od
475
Hebron 800
165th
South
! !
Sta
Beechnut
400
O
525
Am
250 State Road 2
te H
600
500
!
ry
ta ld S
te
600
200
350
!
700
dre
Bowman
!!!!! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! !!!! !! !! !! !!!
Factory West
500
!!
167th
wo
36
600
!
Laporte Union
Lin
150
550
31
157th
Brown
Ore
ko
!
go Far
St An
600
Kelleewood le Map
Goodview
450
!
y2
!
Alice Chandana
Hic
6!
700
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
400
142nd
725
Valparaiso
Smith
500
! !
Meska
Linda
Wall Vale Park Glendale
450
!
830
! !!
650
125
300
Windmill
United States Highway 6
Wesly
nd
Shasta
Estates
350
900
Jonquill
Burlington Beach Robin
Park
!
!
w
Isla
Southfield
600
wa
Vie
Axe
ntrae
375
tate
igh
Opal
!
nd
Andover
Fairview
!
!
! !2
Balla
!!
!!!
State Road 2
dS
sH
Larwick
Woodland
310
eld
580
250
350
Stony Run
ite
e
Unknown
Un
lop
Shore
145th
Forest View Laurel 100
Meadowood
213
275
137th
141st
ys
Lake
129th
lin
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
eado gM
Rol
tuck
ata Musc
!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!
w
75
e
Rustic
129th
shor
h
nn
nnys
Su
Park Lake
124t
e lop
Su
ow
ad
Me
7th Miami
121st
50
ney
Lagura
Division
70
Southport
hill
10
112th
113th
117th
38
26
!!
Muirfi
mer
106th 109th
14
Horn
ra
Kraus
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
rd
Calaveras
Hack
Leanna
50
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
153rd
Sum
101st
400
30 ! ! !!!! !!! !! !!! ! ! ! Westgate
th
99th
104 th
100
50
!
Diamond
Ransom
ffo
Joliet
G
! !
200
950
I-90
! !!
st
125
1050
950
er nd Ma
Ba
638 63 2 Johnson
St Clair Worchester Spectacle
!
200
! ! !
Warren
County Road 375
Cli
!! !! !! ! ! ! Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
ford
91st
94th
400
et
!! !
Pheasant Hill
89th
101st 102nd
!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! Kimrich
Calum
United States Highway 30
Merrillville 93rd
Tremont
! ! !
Tr
Fleetwood
sale
g
1000
Windemere
I-80
I-80
rberry
Snyder
1100
enin
w C re
sa
e We
645
Tanglewood
Kin
Gre
s
!!
Division
1160
re
I-80
n
t
775
50
Burdick
1200
Reve
Stoneridge
Gateway
950
1225
1174
Paul
100
50
125 1275
1050
811
550
500
! ! ! !
! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 49
625
Robbie
la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
Kilarney
200
1325
1250
1200
ss
Ridgeway
Galway
Jolie
154
97th
130
5
!
95th 96
oad
365
! ! !! !
86th
85th
130! ! !! ! !
ex W
83rd
!
Illinois
Garnet
Mill
81st
Jo al 1100
1400
1350
Trateba
Alta
Meridian Road
! ! !! ! ! 149 ! !
37
oln
et
ial
! ! !
Eaglewood
!!
375
oln
81st
Linc
tuck
te R
Linc
Old
State
Sta
Hill
350
75th
Nan
400 Haven
b
rd
try Clu
73
orth Ainsw
Midway
ewoo d
550
!!
n Jo
450
Windridge
250
1300
1325
l
Colon
300
1500
4
I-9
I-94
Michae
Aspe
!
Cattail Mallard
wood
!
Indiana Bowser
1500
1550
Jackson 1400
Park
Stonegate
! ! !!!!! !! !! ! !
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
Glen
!! ! !
61st
Indiana Lincoln
!
850
! !! !! !!! !!!!! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! Prescott
Norris
Brown Wabash
! ! ! !
Hale
sH te Sta
Arbor
Indian Boundary
Warren
Fox Point tree
Crab
20 1
ram p2 5A Saemann
0 y2 wa igh
d ite Un
6 36
Chesterton
Park
Porter Laura
Sauk
600
Pin tail
Coun
alb
Dek
70th
! !
Dalke
875
Pin
y
er
Riv
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
Jodi
900
Robbins
Lighthouse
Holmes
es
Libert
n
is nc
10th
Unio
Veterans
625
16th
700
Canterbury
Marietta
Oxbow
9th
Hobart
Lake
ep
De
61st
Zurich Lamar
Coronado
Arbors
ry
mo
Me
nd
Lute
Rushingwater Squirrel Creek
Ravenwood
Baldwin
10th
Luther
10th
13th
5th 6th
5th7th
8th
9th
Wessex
Coral
Tulip
Birch
ela
n Du
Sunrise
7th
Lill ian
Fro
ie
ir Pra
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home nt w Ne
3rd 4th
Quail
Ash 2nd
Boulder
North 38th
Fraser Rush
e
Ruta
Old Ri dg
37th Rand
1000
Bruce
Tra
Elizabeth
Wyandot
Bend
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
e ilsid
e Central Bush
1050
Michigami
Broadway
12
ay
hw
Hig
tes
Sta
1500
Hjelm
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
36th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Vienna
Lenburg
Ela in
Park
Eugene
264
Hobart
Bell
Tech Industrial
Portage
Jose ph
rter
Pine
Fra
lane
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
River
Garfield
Mich 23rd
Lake Station
B
23 ranp
Sienna
Old Po
Leslie
Live
35th
Evergreen Sand Lundy
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
ram
Duffer
rpool
bey
igan
Portage
Houston
Dom
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
20
Echo
28th
Plaza
20th
21st
South
Fitz
m
Cle
Lawson
x Esse
20th 21st
Parke
23rd I-80 25th
0 I-8 18th
I-80
I-94
on Carls Eagle Old Porter
Indigo
24th
0 I-8 Donna
port
Boo
North Boo
s
rt
South
Ho we
Beam
Burns Harbor am
Daniel Burh
am Ad
ba
I-80
ach
geco
Sta
Shell
Ho
15th
15th
Oak Ridge
6th
Melton
9th 9th
United
Porter
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
Hig States
Wahl
5th
I-90
I-90
Tr
United State
hway 12
Diana
Hemlock
5th Miller 5th
6th
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Pottowatami
Parke
10th
12th 13th
Maple
Ha rold
Ash Ash
Birch
3rd
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Forest
Pine
Oak Locust
ette
t
Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
Cardinal
Shore Turret
qu Mar
Dune Acres
Ship
ited
Un
12
Miami
Lake Michigan
Juniper Forest Fir
Hill
Summitt
Bote Roskin
t
Olivia
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
W es
375
ANALYSIS
650
State Road 10
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Traffic Counts The two most heavily travelled of the study corridors are US 30, and SR 49 from the US 30 interchange northward. SR 49 has a consistent amount of traffic along the segment from US 30 to the north terminus of SR 49. US 30 is most heavily used within the city of Valparaiso, but in general traffic increases in a westerly direction from the Porter/LaPorte County line to the Porter/Lake County line. Traffic on SR 49 south of Valparaiso increases in volume in a northerly direction from the southern edge of Porter County toward Valparaiso. (Analysis derived from 2003-2005 INDOT data.)
Corridor Access The Corridor Access Points map (page 26) includes three types of access points onto the subject corridors from intersecting streets or driveways from adjacent parcels: • Intersection = Through-road intersections, whether located within an area of dense development or not. • Primary = Direct access to the corridor roadway for commercial, business, dense residential, or similar developments that do not include throughroads or have a limited number of access points resulting in all or the majority of traffic feeding directly onto the corridor road. • Secondary = Indirect access to a corridor by way of an intersecting road. May also be commercial, business, schools, dense residential, or similar development that is within close proximity to the corridor and where the majority of access for the development noted is primarily on the intersecting road. The concentration of these points is used to inform future policy regarding roadway classification, access management decisions and design. SR 49 (south of Valparaiso), SR 2 near and within Valparaiso, US 30, and US 6 are corridors with the highest number of primary access points.
Access Management An excessive number of access drives within close proximity of each other can decrease the efficiency of
PART 2: ANALYSIS
traffic operations along a corridor due to the following: 1. Traffic progression is disrupted along the corridor because of the additional vehicle conflict points created by the extraneous access drives. 2. Inadequate spacing is provided between intersections and access drives which could lead to vehicle queues extending back into the downstream intersection/ drive. The locations of access drives along a corridor are typically determined as uncoordinated land use decisions for small properties as development occurs. The access locations are then heavily based on serving the needs of each individual property, leaving little consideration for the affect that the access drives have on the traffic operations along the whole corridor. However, the implementation of an Access Management Plan would provide a proactive approach to minimizing the number of access points along a study corridor while still providing for the proper access needed to serve future development. INDOT has created an Access Management Guide which provides access strategies for INDOT roadways. The guide is located at http://www.in.gov/indot/5614.htm. Although INDOT has control of access along their roadways, local decisions can still affect the locations of access points. Therefore, the strategies listed in INDOT’s guide can also be used by the County to manage access decisions along each of the study corridors in coordination with INDOT. A corridor-specific access plan may be formally adopted into the County’s comprehensive plan. Refer to Part 4: Implementation (“Transportation Management Tools”, p. 104) for further information.
Publicly Identified Hazardous Intersections and Recorded Crash Data The following intersections / roadway segments were noted during the public workshops due to their perception of being dangerous: • US 6 (generally because of multiple direct access points) • US 6 & Meridian Road (sight clearance) • US 6 & Calumet • US 6 & 200W
Adopted 05/19/2009
27
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
500
425
375
Brummitt
1150
475
Unnamed
Sundew Hunter Elk
Center
625
1100 Elm
Dodge
oad 2
600
Circle
500
Sta te R Old
500
1150
1100
S County Road County Line
450
400
435
Niles
50
675
1050
PORTER
1175
County Road 650
525
368
LAPORTE
550 500
1600
575
1100 County Line
550
450
1050
600 150
150
McKinley
State Highway 8
Kelvyn
1150
300
Daumer
Main
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
State Road 8
450
125
Church
150
200
350
County Highway 1185
Smoke
50
225
700
Ross
50
1100
400
600
ms
150
Bau
State Road 49
250
275
Brid ge
350
950
1000
1050
1000
2200
325
1050
2400
Roads
County Line
1300
nk
ak
ee
Active Ra
400
County Road 1350
Porter County Corridor Plan
1200 County Road 600
County Road 1450
500
250
County Road 1350
Lake / Wa
1400
County Road 142 5
300
Cardinal
1400
County Road 180
100
1400
1400
Proposed
Abandone
Riv
1500
1450
200
rd
350
450
500
Ka
er
esap Win Old Orc ha
400
State Road 231
1600
Corridor P
Streams 550
Incorpora
County Li 1100
200
500
550
Acorn
1050
2350
350
300
500
Legend
1125
The implementation of a Transportation Safety Plan would provide a proactive approach to improving safety along the study corridors. Refer to Part 4: Implementation (“Transportation Management Tools”, p. 104) for further information on Transportation 0 1/2 1 2 3 Miles Safety Plans. 550
Haskell
575 600 564 575
Kaper
400
325
195
1400
350
550
250
0
30
375
400
500
1050
550
le owda Mead
Northfield
400 Rigg
Rigg
e
Montdale
ton ys Ra
State Road 49
150
1350
1125
1400
Plain
400 300
325 Deerfield
Bartz
Engle
in Ca Industrial
Laurelwood Pinehurst
100 75 Meridian
100
175
150
1200
1400
Un High
Post
650
1700
1350
1st
Legion
400
1800
1600
Alcin
650 350
Old Suman
200
State Road 49
Silhavy
Club Spyglass
Sturdy
ne Smoke
County Line
345
325
575
450
Brummitt
150
Kestrel
4th
Agape
Oak Grove Cal um et
age
Shaker
State Road 49
Victoria
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Hearthsto
Heavilin
100
350
450
Rustic Acres
1200
150
200
300
Fairoaks
950
575
625
ER RT PO ER SP JA
sey
600
8th
30
Oak Breeze
500
1025
700
Halleck
15th
Division
900
1000
Ram
Co Line
600
425
300
275
m
mm it
Bru
Arbutus Redbud Gra ha
Littler
200
70 Greenwich
dsor
Bloomingdale
Campbell
Farmdale Franklin
Sears Linden
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Thornapple Maum ee
Pioneer Harvest
Slalom Meridian
50
Jade
50
Win Old Oak
Sherwood
Meagher Un Bogata
Coolwood
Braemar
Dove Mayfield
Bernie 75
Alpine
125
Shatz
Lismore
150 Skyline
Sylvan
Hayes Leonard
Webbs
2 ad Ro te
150
100
Reif
475
State Road 2 United States Highway 231
750
575
Norbeh Oakbrook
Fir Poplar
Harrison
1014
900
325
Miami
E 31 p ra m
50 100 Jane
125
200
va te 175
Kristen
od wo dle Bri
350 325
Kincraig Sta
275
300
450
540
700 State Highway 2
County Line
Union
Warrrick
950
y 30
Nathan
550
Dik e
Randolph
1000
250
Carmod y
100
Calumet
50
150 Sa nd Cre ek
Olivia
5th
11th 50
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Tremont
Harrison
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Waverly
Main
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
in 8th
Waverly
Ra
nk
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Babcock
Pearson
Mineral Springs
Elgin
Crocker
State Road 149
250
350
Lakepark 325
375
375
Devon
Carmand
Deerpath
Timber
Springwood
695 725
Allegheny
675
Windy Oak
Pri
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol 325
Tower
Robin
Mc Cool
475 475
ley
500
Pix
550 Lourdes
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
l Tee's y den
Valle
Prentis Froberg s
Edith
450
June
Olympia
550
York 700
675
County Line
Roya
Happy Valley Brandyw ine
Hid
County Line
PORTER
LAKE
Union
Randolph
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
McCool
Carmen
Delta 500
500
625
5th 3rd 1st
650
625
687
64
1
Vigo
Erie
sta
gu
Au Kingsway
Randolph
Montgomery
Montgomery
Lions
Salt Creek
Samuelson
Truman
State Road 249
Crisman
Oakhill
Airport
Teresa
Woodbine
Lisa
Irving Eleanor
Monnier Destiny
Willowcreek
McCool
712
675
725
600
West Mill
550
Parke
Pike
Ontario
Park Pike
Randolph
Knox
Grand
Hancock
Highwa
in
Grand
States
49
125
1100
150
Willis
Austin
Swanson Iris
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Bryant Bender Fern
Oakwood Worthington
Tonia
Marine
Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine 750 750
656
Grand
Swanson Walsh
Edgewood
Union
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby
Union
Ash
State Road 51
Hobart
White Tail
Lincoln
Water
County Line
Ash
Ash Ellendale
Ash
Medlee
Gibson
Floyd
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson
Wells
Union Vermillion
Route 51
Hobart
Kelly Ohio
Joann Blake Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Morgan
Warren
Tippecanoe
Ripley
Ripley
Morgan Orange
Warrick
Howard
Grand
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Lake Park
County Line
Hamilton
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Dekalb
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Lasalle
er
Riv
Virginia
Decatur
State
Floyd
Clay
Benton
State
Benton
Decatur
Elkhart
100
United
388 Walnut
Elw
Fairlane
100
150
Murvihill
nta
ge
200
ton
Rillstone
700
Corbly
1100
325
425
650
Martin
Alida
300
However, the total number of crashes is just one potential indicator of the need for safety improvements along a corridor. Other indicators should be evalu8 ated and summarized such as the Kouts crash rate which determines the number of crashes relative to the intersection’s traffic volume. Another indicator is the type of crashes such as rear-end, right angle or sideswipe crashes. The crash result should also be evaluated and summarized which includes crashes that result in an injury, a fatality or property damage only. 670
725
Oak
550
ne
Norcross
1st
Westv 500
300
400
500
2
600
Blackthorn
350
Crash Locations
Li nty
Arling Redbow Fro
r
8 2
300
2400
Am be
Evans
112
400
wy
te H
Sta
Main
2
250
illi Ph
Ash
Cou
r
Clay
Otis
ning
Gree
525
150
100
1200
0
ge
ord
Road 100
250
700
Bates Alyea Sigler South
217th
1400
30
Lake
Sa
Fairview
500
Hebron
2
1400
County Road 600
125
600
1000
1500
te
Sta
ad
Ro
lter
700
Harmel
Axe
Comf Martinal Domke
400
Old
dre
400 Vale Park
M ort hla nd
ry
Cou
St An
Bowman
Penna Hill
County
650
205th
28
ood
Goodview
Walter
ne
Laporte Union
ko
350
500
36 County Road 50
475
600
1200
d
Shasta
Hic
700
600
Meadow Glen
Southfield
550
189th
Gran
Alice Chandana
Linw
City View
trae
650
Linda
Valparaiso
200
450
Based on the information provided in the previous 2 section, “Publicly Identified Hazardous Intersections and Recorded Crash Data,” there may be a need for 231 safety improvements at these intersections such as additional or clearer signage or pavement markings, addition of turn lanes, an upgrade in traffic control, roadway realignment or reconfiguration, evaluation of intersection sight triangles or the installation of traffic calming measures. The Crash Locations map (page 28) identifies these intersections. As shown on the Demotte map, SR 2 south of Valparaiso has four of the top ten intersections based on the total number of crashes over the three-year period. Sto
725
700
Kelleewood le Map
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
300
Windmill
830
o Farg
Wesly nd
p
865
197 Th
er
nd
150
350
900
s
Trateba
Jonquill
Isla
Smith
4
I-90
950
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
South
Factory West
200
950
I-80
Ma
1050
450
173rd
State Road 2
k
3
Ida
on
ils
W
800
165th
167th
Park
Ore
uc scatat
375
Hig hw ay 23 1
Juniper Rd & US 6 .......................10 crashes
Kraus
Har Sheffield Roane rison Ravin e
g
125
1000
I-80
ry
Snyder
1100
enin
Meska
Burlington Beach Robin
400
142nd
Meridian Rd & US 6 ....................11 crashes
Southport
Stony Run
Un ite dS tate s
Vie w St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
Diamond
Ballan
7
ra nd
Ransom
400
Mu
Gre
Windemere
Johnson County Road 600
G
450
CR 400E & SR 2 ..........................12 crashes 145th
Larwick
Unknown
137th
6
Estates
2 State Road 2
350
eld
Shore
310
Division & SR 2 . ..........................15 crashes 141st
250
275
le
Muirfi
e
Lake
h
129th
100
Woodland
213
e
Rustic
shor
124t
w eado
Meadowood
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
CR 100S & SR 2 ..........................18 crashes 129th
75
lop
117th
121st
Lake
McCool & US 6 ...........................18 crashes
Division
Forest View Laurel
re
I-80
638 63 2
Warren
Kin sa
Calaveras
ey
Lagura
Tr
Fleetwood
Road 375
Horn
Hackn
M ling
Rol
70
ys
Park
14
26
580
ope
nn
Sun
Su
Winfield
50
400 County
30 Westgate
l
38
nysl
ow
112th
Transportation Safety
erhil
50
Joliet
200
Leanna
109th
153rd
Scarb oroug Amhu h rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
100
50
Tanglewood
1160
Reve
Barber
w C re st
50
Burdick
1200
sa
e We
645
Galway
Pheasant Hill
CR 500W & SR 2 . .......................20 crashes
157th
10
United States Highway 30
Summ
106th
149
500
1225
6 49
10
50
1275 1250
Stoneridge
950
Ridgeway
Clif ford
Garnet
t
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
Robbie
1325
1174
Paul
Gateway
United States Highway 6
811
9
775
550
Kimrich
ford
101st 102nd
ad
9
Jolie
Alta
625
365
CR 100W & SR 2 . .......................21 crashes 101st
Me
8
130 400
94th
99th
United States Highway 6 Cattail Mallard
1350
1050
Eaglewood
375
th
7th Miami
7
oad 130
91st
95th 96
d
Sta te R
450
CR 300N (Evans Ave) & SR 2 . .....25 crashes
10
6
Illinois
89th
93rd
woo
550
State
154
113th
5
s
ne
ex W
85th
Merrillville
104t h
4
Mill
83rd
97th
3
oln
81st
1
ket
uc Nant
tail
Jo
SR 149 & US 6 ............................31 crashes 81st
ss la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
1400
125
1200
Kilarney
Stonegate
850
Midway
600
Pin
Hill
86th
2
ln
750 Lahonda
Prescott
350
Linco
875
Pine
Linc
Old
Veterans
900
10
5 37
b
Ain
Haven
Jo al 1100
250
1300
1325
90
Norris
ial
I-
County Road 300
Sauk
Holmes
61st
ry Clu Count
lb
Deka
rd
h swort
5
Robbins
Lighthouse
Dalke
wood
iver
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
73
Liberty
Union
Marietta
Jodi
Glen
16th
Coronado
625
Lake
61st
75th
1
9th
10th
Windridge
Rodgers
Me
Colon
n Aspe
10th
Zurich Lamar
Rushingwater Squirrel Creek
Oxbow
ry mo
Sunrise
8th
an
5th 6th
Canterbury
Coral
Michael
49 ad Ro
Lilli
5th7th
9th
pR Dee
70th
nt
Luther
10th
13th
Fro
700
Lute
Elizabeth Ravenwood
Baldwin
Ash 2nd
7th
New
3rd 4th
Fraser Rush
Due to the identification of the previous intersections during public workshps, the following crash data was obtained from the Porter County Sheriff’s Department Hobart for vehicular crashes occurring from January 2005 through December 2007. The following list includes the top 10 intersections by highest number of crashes occurring within 200 feet of a specific intersection: Hickey Division Home
ne
Du
Wessex
Indiana Bowser
te Sta
irie
Pra
High Jackson Tulip
1050
1000
Bruce
Fox Point tree
Crab
Opal
Boulder
North 38th
Lenburg
Ela ine Central Bush
ilsid Tra
Arbors
37th
Rand
Quail
Ruta
ge
Wyandot
Bend
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
Old Rid
Tulip
Birch
d lan
e
ph
Indiana Lincoln
Chesterton
Park
Arbor
300
1500
94
I-94
Park
Indian Boundary
Brown Wabash
1500
1550
Jackson 1400
66
ram p2 5A Saemann
Warren
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
36th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Portage
Vienna
Jose
Michigami
Broadway
Porter Laura
Eugene
Industrial
264
Hobart
Bell
23 B
ranp
Park
Hale 20
0
y2
wa
igh
sH
te
Sta
d
ite
Un
13
et Calum
rlane
Rive
Garfield
Portage
Tech
Vine
Port Cove
Hjelm
12
ay
Tremont
Live
35th
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
Houston
Evergreen Sand Lundy
rter
d Po
20 Ol
Sienna
22 B
Leslie
rpool
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
Echo
28th
Parke
23rd I-80 25th
ey
Domb
igan Mich 23rd
on Carls Eagle Old Porter
South
Fitz
m
Cle
Plaza
20th
21st
South
I-94
22 D
p ram
hw
Hig
tes
Sta
121500
Miami
24th
0 I-8 Donna 0 I-8 18th
I-80
20th 21st
I-80
ach
geco
Sta
Berg
Duffer
rt
15th
15th
6th
p ram
North Boo
am
Indigo
ba
Daniel Burh
ms
Ho
Beam
Boo
x Esse
5th
Melton
9th 9th
I-90
port
we
Lawson
Burns Harbor Wahl
6th
I-90
Sheperd Ameriplex
Ada
10th
12th 13th
Highway 12
Marine
Oak Ridge
Shell
6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
5th Miller 5th
State
United States
Road 249
Pine
Uni
Cardinal
Parke
Ash Ash
Birch
Sta
United
Hemlock
Gary Meridian Road & 700N SR 49 & 600N US 30 & Hayes Leonard Road SR 2 & 400E Lake Station SR 2 & 100S SR 2 / Evans / 300N New Chicago SR 2 & 500W 3rd
mi Tr
Pottowata
old
y 12
hwa tes Hig
Ho
is
Har
Diana
Porter
nc
M Forest
Maple
t Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Step
Oak Hill
Fra
Juniper Forest Fir
Daley
Oak Locust
te
et arqu
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Hill
Shore Turret
Pine
Dune Acres
Ship
ted
W es t
Laurel Creek
East ge Rid t s Cre ore Sh
Lake Michigan
• • • • • • •
Bote Roskin
Beach
Summitt
14th 12th 10th 8th
ANALYSIS
Project St
ANALYSIS
Traffic Volume Projections All Traffic Volumes According to NIRPC traffic modeling data, roadways within unincorporated areas that are projected to have the highest traffic volumes during peak hours (6-9am and 3-6pm) by 2010 include I-84, I-80/I-90, and US 30. Other roads with significant traffic volumes during these peak hours, but to a lesser extent, include SR 49, SR 2 east of Valparaiso, SR 130, SR 149, and CR 475W. The 2020 projections show an increase in traffic along the aforementioned interstates, as well as SR 49, SR 2 east of Valparaiso, and US 30. The 2030 projections show an even further increase in traffic on SR 49, US 30, SR 2 east of Valparaiso, and SR 130. US 6 is projected to have lower traffic volumes during peak hours than that of CR 450W (north of SR 130), CR 475W (between SR 130 and US 30), CR 500W (south of US 30), CR 100S, and St. Clair Rd (CR 550N), which are all projected to see an increase in traffic over time.
will alleviate a portion of the traffic that currently uses US Highways and State Roads for the majority of their trips, or 2. create more direct access to US Highways and State Roads which can lessen the amount of traffic traveling relatively long distances on county roads. Discussion regarding a southern extension of SR 149 has been ongoing within Porter County. There are currently no plans by INDOT for an extension, but the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) would likely require a bridge several hundred feet long to span Salt Creek due to sensitive wetland habitats that exist there. In the absence of a planned extension, Porter County remains aware of the potential for a future extension as development proposals are reviewed.
Planned Roadway Improvements Major Improvements
It appears that SR 2 west of Valparaiso, SR 49 south of Valparaiso, SR 8, US 6 east of Portage, and Meridian Road are not projected to have significantly high traffic volumes.
1
New Interchange - 2011 SR 49 & CR 400N
2
Bridge Replacement - 2008 SR 49 over Pleasant Township Ditch
Large Truck Traffic With regards to large truck traffic, the routes with the highest projected truck traffic during peak travel hours include I-84, I-80/I-90, SR 49 from I-80/I-90 to US 30, and US 30 east of Valparaiso. During off-peak hours, large trucks are also projected to use, to a lesser extent, SR 130 and US 30 west of Valparaiso.
3
Drainage Ditch Correction - 2009 SR 8 from SR 49 to .5 miles west of SR 49
US 6 does not appear to have a significant amount of large truck traffic, though there are some large trucking businesses located along that road that may affect roadway safety issues due to direct, non-signalized access to US 6.
Proposed Roadway Extensions Several road extensions were proposed in the 2001 Porter County Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan, some of which intersect the project corridors. Many of the proposed extensions are intended to either: 1. create more connections between destinations throughout the County using county roads, which
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Preventative Improvements - paving, basic maintenance, etc.
4
Intersection Improvement - 2008 US 6 at Porter/Laporte County Line Rd.
5
Intersection Improvement - 2010 US 231 & SR 2 & CR 1000 S
6
Auxiliary Lanes, Passing Lanes - 2008 US 6 & Mander Rd.
7
Pavement Project - 2008 US 231 from SR 2 to 113th Ave
8
Pavement Project - 2008 SR 49 from .5 miles north of Division Road to US 30
9
CSX Railroad crossing - 2008 SR 149 & CSX Railroad crossing
10 Railroad Protection - 2008 SR 2 & GTW/CN Railroad
Adopted 05/19/2009
29
ANALYSIS
11 Bridge Deck Overlay (Rehabilitation) - 2010
INDOT Major Moves
Additional Improvements • Bridge Replacement - 2010 SR 49 & US 20 • Bridge Replacement - 2010 SR 49 & US 12 • Intersection Improvement - 2008 SR 520 at US 12 & US 20 • Intersection Improvement - 2008 US 20 & SR 149 • Pavement Project - 2009 SR 49 from Oak Hill Rd. to the Park entrance • Access Control (Roadside Fencing) - 2008 US 30 from I-65 to Lake/Porter County Line
• US 6 from 2 ½ miles west of SR 149 to just east of SR 149 • SR 49 from Calumet Ave (south of US 6) to I-80/90 • US 30 from CR 250W to Fletcher Dr (1.79 miles east of SR 49)
Three major projects are currently planned as part of INDOT Major Moves program. They include the construction of an interchange at SR 49 & CR 400N, and major preservation projects (projects that restore a roadway to “like-new” quality to ensure safety and effectiveness with the possible inclusion of bridge replacements, intersection improvements and sight distance improvements) including:
Shebel
Alcin
475
400
Center
Unnamed 1100
Willow Flynn Plain
Elm
Dodge
Circle
2
600
ad Ro State
Old 575
Haskell
Mill
1150
Bige low
600
Rigg
564
900
1025
Main Illinois
400
County Line
450
435
Niles
1100
400
Laurelwood Pinehurst
S County Road
575
Kaper
Montdale 325
1050
675
1050
PORTER
LAPORTE
550 500
368
525
1175
650
1550
350
1600
575
1100 County Line
550
450
600
1800
1850
1050
150
900
B
Hunter Elk
625
1050
550
Sundew
le wda Meado
500 500
400
Rigg
n Cai
Engle
e
Industrial
Ray ston
Sturdy
150 150
State Road 49
150
195
Meridian
150
950
United States Highway 421
County Line
650 350
Old Suman 300 Deerfield
Bartz
325
Northfield
Agape
Dove Mayfield
1150
575
450 345
325 325
150
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass
Shaker
Silhavy
State Road 49
4th
e Oak Grove Ca lum et
100 75 100
100
175 250
County Highway 1185
Main
State Road 8
450
State Highway 8
Kelvyn
1150
300
125
Church
150
3
Mill
Smoke
50
225
200
350 Rustic Acres
1500
Ross
50
1100 400
State Road 49
Ba
150
600
275
idg um
s Br
250
2
1000
1050
1000
325
2300
ak
Toto County Line
500
400
Riv
1500
1400 1200
1400
County Road 1450
1100
County Road 600
400
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
550
Road 1425
500
County
650
State Road 10
300
Cardinal
1400
250
1400
County Road 180
100
1450
200
rd
350
Orc ha
400
ee
350
1300
er
sap
450
500
nk
1050
2350 2400 1200
200
State Road 231
550
700
Ka
1600
Millers
1125 350
300
500
1125
1400
600
2200
1050
550
1400
United States Highway 421
e
350
400
500
475
1025
1800
e
Halleck
1400
1700
550
McKinley
Kouts
Daumer
Dik
900
Bailey
2100
ER RT PO ER ey SP ms Ra JA
Randolph
950
1000
1100
1200
Rolling Meadows
600
425
500
425
375
Brummitt
it mm Bru
Brummitt
250
200
ra Slalom
70
Meridian Farmdale
Campbell
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Valley Villag
Sears Linden
Valparaiso
Franklin
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Greenwich
Hearthstone Smoke
Co Line
300
275
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
Carmody
ek
150
Cre d
San
100
Calumet
E 31 p m Jane
50 Jade
50
sor Wind
Prentiss Froberg
Old Oak
Sherwood
150
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Hayes Leonard
Thornapple Maum ee
Heavilin
300 350
0 30 375
State Road 2
Arbutus Redbud Grah am
8th
5th 50
50
150
50 100
Alpine
75
125
125
e ivat Pr
Shatz
175
Lismore
Braemar
d2 Roa te Sta 275
Deerpath
540
450
575
Fairoaks
950
1000
1350
1350
650
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
125
8th
United States Highway 30 High
Post
400
400
49
900
Wine Old
15th
1st
Legion
150
700
8
575
625
United States Highway 231
Littler
25
Miami
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Tremont
Waverly
6th
14th 12th 10th 8th 11th
Olivia
Mineral Springs
Main
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
n nki Ra
Waverly
County Road 150
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
Mineral Springs
Lions
Babcock 200
State Road 149
250 Lakepark
Kristen
Tower
od wo dle Bri
Skyline
Webbs
Sylvan
Milton Elmhurst Weston
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
350 325 Devon
350 325
Kincraig
550 Lourdes
Timber 450
Windy Oak
700 State Highway 2
Norbeh Oakbrook
Fir Poplar Harrison
750
Reif
1000
1400
Earl Carrie
1200
500
100
1014
30
Oak Breeze
Rain
Warrrick
325
375
ey
Carmand
700
375
Pixl
York
1 64
687
656
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675
695 675
Allegheny
725
Springwood
County Line
's Tee Royal Valley
Happy Valley Brandywine
Hid den
County Line
LAKE County Line
Union
100
300
in
Union
11
United States Highway 30
Nathan
388 Walnut
Elw
Randolph
Bernie
McCool June
Olympia Robin
Mc Cool
475 475
550
600
500
White Tail
750
Vigo Erie
PORTER
Randolph Montgomery
Montgomery
Elgin
Austin
Edith
Airport
Woodbine
Lisa
Delta
450
500 500
550
5th 3rd 1st
675 650
725
625
West Mill
Salt Creek
Truman
Oakhill
Tonia
Samuelson
Crisman
Teresa
Destiny
McCool
712
625 County Line
750
Hobart
Pike
Ontario
Park Pike
a ust Au g
Randolph
Kingsway
Knox
Grand
8
Rillstone
700
Walter
Grand
Crocker
State Road 249
Marine
Willis
Swanson Walsh
Carmen
Clam
Ryan Swanson Iris
Irving Eleanor
Monnier
Bryant Bender Fern
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Oakwood Worthington
Willowcreek
Rabbit
Lapine
Wayne
Shelby Union
Grand
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson
Wells
Warren
Warrick
Edgewood
Route 51
Hobart
Union
Kelly Ohio
Parke
State Road 51
Joann Blake Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Morgan
Ripley
Union Vermillion
Morgan Orange
County Line
Tippecanoe
Ripley
Howard
Grand
Lincoln
Guyer
Lake Park
Water
Hillcrest
Hamilton
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Dekalb
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Ash
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Ash Ellendale
Lasalle
er
Ash
Riv Decatur
Ash
Medlee
Virginia
State
Floyd Clay
Benton
State
Benton Decatur
Gibson
Elkhart
Floyd
Hancock
1000
100
550
670
700
1600
1400
870
150
Planned Roadway Improvement Locations 1500
217th
George
on
ils
Grand
1100
200
250
425
650
650
Corbly
700
600
600
Martin
Oak
550
Alida
860
200 Norcross
500
United States Highway 6
400
Blackthorn
400
1st
500
10
150
325
500
Westville 600
125
450
y2
Hw
Joliet
800
400
Murvihill
100
350
Jefferson Main
Main
gton
tage
Meadow Glen
250
State
2
Ash
r
Acorn
205th
ad
350 375
400
er
Arlin Redbow Fron
50
200
e
Domke
ty Lin
Harmel
r ge Sa
ford
Division
Ida
W
ne
Coun
be
300
300
2
Am
1200
Sto
Otis
g
Evans
M
ort hla nd
350
700
1
Vale Park
Com
36
Old
e Ro
525
Bowman
Penna Hill
Martinal
4
500
1700
197 Th
Greenin
90 od
Axe Fairview
Stony Run
Clay
et
en
wo
475
231
0
Lake
Calum
Asp
Lin
llip
5
Rodgers
Tremont
Opal
Laporte Union
City View
ae
Phi
500
725
30
Miami
Cardinal
Alice Chandana
ry
Beechnut
Stat
600
112
450
173rd
2
Linda
Kelleewood ple Ma
200
250 State Road 2
Coult
700
600
Wesly
nd
150
Fairlane
189th
725
Hic ko
Fargo
dre
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
South
6
Jonquill
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
Factory West
830
United States Highway 6
St An
600
125
300 Windmill
700
Valparaiso
Park
Ore
tuck Muscata
375
Bates Alyea Sigler South
6
r
st
Goodview
350
865
State Road 2
is
2
Hebron 800
nc
State Road 2
7
23 1
165th
Ha Sheffield Roane rriso n Ravine
I-90
950
900
650
200
950
I-80 de
125
1050
1000
I-80
Man
Snyder
1100
Gree nin g
Windemere
w C re
Isla
Kraus
Division
vere
Meska
Burlington Beach Robin
Shasta
Estates
550
167th
w
Andover
400
Hig hw
ay
Vie
Smith
600
157th
Fra
Unknown
ted Sta tes
nd
450
142nd
Uni
Larwick
Shore
145th
100
G
Southfield
310
350
ld
Lake
141st
Forest View Laurel
sa
50
1160
l Re
I-80
638 632
Diamond
Ballantr
Meadowood
213
250
275
137th
adow
Woodland
198
Loganberry
129th
75
e slop
ore
129th
Rustic
124th
Park
123rd
Lagura
Division
138
400
Muirfie
erhill
e lop nnys
Su
Lakesh
117th 121st
50
y
Pau
Johnson
St Clair Worchester Spectacle
Road 375
Horn
Wee
ra
Ransom
Calaveras
Hackne
g Me
70
ny Sun
112th
County
Southport
d
Rollin
580
w do Mea
h Miami
7t
10
109th
113th
400
1275
Burdick
1200 1174
Stoneridge
950
100
50
1250
1225
Barberry
Warren
sale
Galway
woo
Leanna
106th
Leslie
re
50
14
26
30
Tr
1325
1050
49
645
Tanglewood
ord
200
Kilarney
200
1350
125
1200
Gateway
300
250
1400
1300
811
550
Joliet
Arbor
ss la yg on Sp Nels Snead Ryder
I-9
1325
Tratebas
Alta
Fleetwood
Kin
500
Westgate
Wessex
Sho
Gerald
105th 106th 107th
Duffer
st
100
50
38
Essex
Amhur
al 1100
Ridgeway
Cliff
Summ
101st
od
ford
rough
th
99th
Robbie
Kimrich
Scarbo
Drive Drive
94th
101st 102nd
Glenwo
ex W
86th
Pheasant Hill
91st
104th
264
United States Highway 30
89th
93rd
153rd
149
130
Garnet
Mill
Joliet
Merrillville 95th 96
ad
365
154
97th
Ro
Jo
4
I-94
Michael
Colonial
1500
1550
1500
775
625
375
Hill
81st
85th
550
State
Indiana Bowser
Sta
Jackson 1400
66
Stonegate
Meridian Road
5
Haven
coln
n
Cattail Mallard
ewoo d
Indiana Lincoln
Windridge
Hale
20
ay
ighw
sH
te
d
te Uni
20
Park
Indian Boundary
Brown Wabash
Fox Point btree
High
13
ram p 25 A Saemann
Eaglewood
cke
400
Lin
Lincol
United States Highway 6
t
Michigami
Cra
850
750 Lahonda
Nantu
130
Porter Laura
es
1500
Chesterton
Park
Stat
Un
Warren
Broadway
Sauk
State
Illinois
Dalke
Midway
600
Jo
350
Old
81st
83rd
Lighthouse
Prescott
450
9
1050
900
Pin
s
75th
Jodi
875
Park
Eugene
37
h Ainswort
Rushingwater Squirrel Creek
Robbins
ail
61st
Norris
Club
rd
Marietta
Veterans
Pint
Country
b
Dekal 73
Elizabeth Ravenwood
Oxbow
r
Rive
Bracken er Eld
Wyandot
Coronado
Vine
Port Cove
1000
Bruce
Holmes
ne
Liberty
Union
Zurich Lamar
Lute
625
16th 62nd
700
Sunrise
Luther
9th
10th
Hobart
Lake
ep
De
61st
70th
n
5th 6th
ory
Mem
Tulip
Birch
land
Wahl
Lillia w
10th
ne
Tech
Lenburg
Elain e Central Bush
e lsid Trai
ph
Sienna
ter
Old Por
B
p 22
ram
Industrial
Portage Vienna Jose
20
Berg D
p 22
ram
Mulberry
Lark
Canterbury
23 B
ranp
Arbors
nt
5th7th
8th
9th
Du
Wessex
Coral
Canary
Portage
Baldwin
Fro
Ne
10th
rie
Prai
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home
Bell
Lakeview
Boulder
North 38th
Fraser Rush
Ash 2nd
7th
13th
37th Rand
Quail Ruta
ge
Rush
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
3rd 4th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
iew Valleyv Potomac Liberty
South
Evergreen Sand
Bend
Garfield
36th
Old Rid
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
bey
Dom
n Michiga 23rd
Houston
Fitz
m Cle
Plaza
20th
Lake Station
Carlson Eagle Old Porter
Echo
ane
Riverl
Hobart 35th
21st
I-94
e Beam
Boo
North Boo
Pine
ited
12
Hjelm
Oak Six Box Woodlandn Stephe
Oak Hill
How
Lawson
Burns Harbor
s
28th
I-80 Donna 0 I-8 18th
I-80
Parke
I-80 25th
Liverpool
geco
Dunes Forest
Porter
Highway 12
Daniel Burham
Indigo
art
20th 21st
I-80
23rd
24th
Sta
rt Southpo
ach
am
Hob
I-90
I-90
15th
15th
Oak Ridge
6th Melton
249 State Road Sheperd Ameriplex
Marine
5th
9th 9th
12
Highway
States
United
United States
Ad
12th 13th
6th
Diana
Tr Pottowatami
5th Miller 5th
Shell
10th
Maple
Hemlock
Parke
6th 6th Miller 7th Miller
h Ash
As
Birch
3rd
Hill
ette Marqu Forest
Juniper Forest Fir
Daley
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
t
Laurel Creek
East ge Rid st Cre
ore
Sh
Lake Michigan
W es
y 12
wa
Bote Roskin
Beach
Summitt
Unnamed
US 30 over Crooked Creek
30
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Alternative Transportation Elements This Corridor Plan focuses on transportation routes primarily used by motorized vehicles, but these routes can be affected by other motorized and non-motorized modes of travel. Porter County is designated as an area of severe nonattainment for O3 and SO2. Porter County’s transportation network is composed of a multi-modal system, including thoroughfare, commuter rail, buses and trails. Encouraging the multi-modal development of the network is important in order to improve the air quality in the County. Improvement in quality of life is an added enhancement.
Freight Rail The 2002 Indiana State Rail Plan recommends an increase in freight use and the preservation of short lines, defined as independent railroad companies that operate over a relatively short distance to either link two
industries requiring rail freight together, interchange revenue traffic with other usually larger railroads, or to operate a tourist passenger train service. The Chicago South Shore Line is the only short line operating in Porter County. CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) Travels from a point north of SR 6 on the western county border in a southeastern direction, crossing SR 49 north of I-80/I-90, Meridian Road and SR 49 north of US 6, US 6 east of Mander Rd., and SR 2. CSX has two additional lines within Porter County, including: Chesapeake & Indiana RR (CKIN) Begins in Malden and travels southeast. Chicago, Fort Wayne, & Eastern RR (CFER) Travels from west to east along SR 130, through Valparaiso, and along US 30. This line intersects SR 2 and SR 49 in Valparaiso. A RailAmerica Company.
Profile: Complete Streets A complete streets policy ensures that the entire right of way is routinely designed and operated to enable safe access for all users including pedestrians, motor vehicles, transit, and cyclists. A complete street is a place that enables people of all ages, interests and abilities to feel comfortable whether moving through or being within the space. The most basic components of a complete street are vehicular travel lanes, a bike facility, crosswalks, sidewalk or multi-use trails. Medians, street trees, lighting, signage and street furnishings also contribute.
projects unless exceptional circumstances exist.� Boulder, Colorado was one of the first; building all arterials as multi-modal corridors for auto, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit. Since then, the cities of Seattle, Chicago, Sacramento, Charlotte, and Louisville have adopted some form of Complete Streets policies, recommendations or ordinances. The state of Massachusetts Highway Department has a new road design manual addressing complete streets that gives cities and towns more control over design decisions affecting their roads.
In 2000, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) suggested that “bicycling and walking facilities be incorporated into all transportation
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
31
ANALYSIS
Norfolk Southern (NS) Travels from west to east along SR 130, through Valparaiso, and on southeast just south of US 30. This line intersects SR 2 and SR 49 in Valparaiso. Canadian National/Grand Trunk Railroad (CN) Travels from west to east from a point along the western county border between US 30 and SR 130, through Valparaiso, and through a point 12 between SR 2 and US 30 on the eastern county border. This 20 line Dune Acres Lake Michigan I-94 intersects US 30 west of Valparaiso, SR 49, and SR 2 east of Valparaiso. The CN Railroad has recently Porter Ogden Dunes purchased an EJ&E Railroad line within Lake County with possible plans a switchyard within Gary. As a Burnsfor Harbor result this line through Porter County may experience Chesterton 20 I-94an increase in use.
County Line
Center
Plain
1100
County Line
450
550
600
Unnamed
950
900
1800
150
1050
1850
County Highway 1185
150
Daumer
State Road 8
State Highway 8
Kelvyn
Mill
1150
450
300
125
Kouts
Jefferson
Main
200
Church
50
Smoke
225
0 30
350
in
850
Jeflynn
McKinley
Rain
r
8
Elw
Walte
375
700
Ross
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers 1100
e sB ridg
50
1025 1050
600 400
150
Ba
State Road 49
um
250
275
350 400
475
500
575 25
States Highway 231
1014
950
1000
1050
1000
2200
United States Highway 421
Rustic Acres
Union
1000
2100
900
100
2
Rolling Meadows
1700
550
650
Fairoaks
Reif
865
900
B
l
Mil
w
elo
Big
1025
1050
1175
650
1600
575
Meridian 250
Proposed stations along the Valparaiso line include Valparaiso, Hobart, Merrillville, Highland, Munster, and Hammond, which would connect to Chicago’s Metra 1550
400
400
Main Illinois
1050
675
PORTER
LAPORTE
550 500 525
388 Walnut
Bailey
1500
350
100
195
1400
500
150
Shebel
Unnamed
1050
Circle
435
1350
368
State Road 49
150
250
300
100
175
Post
Legion
150
150
49
Earl Carrie
United States Highway 30 High
Rillstone 700
575
West Lake Corridor A study by NICTD, which began in 2006, is currently underway for two proposed extensions of the line, one to Lowell and one to Valparaiso. This service would be called the West Lake Corridor. A line between Valparaiso and Chicago could help in relieving the existing congestion along corridors including I-80/94, US 30 and US 41(north of US 30). 1st
County Line
450
400
Niles
100
550
670
750
Fairlane
Haskell
1150
1200
Oak Breeze
600
700 Corbly
1100
Highw ay 30
S County Road
400
325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
30
CFER (CSXT)
CKIN
650
Martin
1100 Elm
oad
2
600
te R Sta Old
575 600 564 575
Kaper
Ra
NS
States
Nathan
75
300 350
450
550 600
Willow Flynn
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
500 500
Northfield 400
Rigg
Rigg
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Montdale
ys
100
United
475
1st
870
1000
Blackthorn
325
Alcin
650
Sundew
550
ale dowd Mea
300 325
Deerfield
Bartz
Engle
Ca in Industrial
Murvihill
425
450
700
150
200
400
550
1150
575
450 475
400 Old Suman
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Club Spyglass
Shaker
Dove Mayfield
150
100
Smoke
CN
150
350 375
United States Highway 421
500 425
375
350
150
Kestrel
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et
age
Ca
Silhavy
Victoria
Valley Vill
Hearthstone
Ro a
te
Sta
275
Co Line
600
425
300
275
200
70
Bloomingdale
Valparaiso
Franklin
Heavilin
Sturdy
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Greenwich
r dso Win
Sears Linden
Old Oak
Sherwood
Meagher
State Road 49
Slalom
Meridian
50 50
Campbell
Farmdale
Jade
d2
345
325
250
ek
Littler
Cre
nd
100
Calumet
E 31 p m ra
Alpine
75
125
te va
Shatz
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Braemar
Thornapple Mau mee
Sylvan
Brummitt
Arbutus Redbud Gra ham Brummitt Bru mm it
dy
Carmo
150
Sa
Olivia
50
Laurel Creek
5th
11th
50
50 100 Jane
200
Pri
175
Lismore
Prentis Froberg s 150
Skyline
Hayes Leonard
Webbs
Kincraig
325
Miami
Teale
Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
Tremont
25
Waverly
Main
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
in
Ra
nk
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
Babcock
Elgin
Crocker
250
Kristen
Tower
od wo le
325
Deerpath
400
125
540
P
County Line
Norbeh Oakbrook
nd
112
450
Windy Oak
125
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
State Road 149
350
Lakepark
325 325
id Br
350
Devon Carmand
550 Lourdes
Timber
Springwood
Allegheny
675
700
State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
Bernie
McCool McCool
Mc Cool 375
ley
375
Pix
500
York
1
64
656
Sunset
600
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675
695
725
y Valle den
Hid
on
ils
W
Harrison
Mineral Springs
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
450
June
Olympia Robin
475 475
550
600
750
687
700
e's al Te Roy
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson
State Road 249
Crisman
Carmen
Delta
650
725
625 White Tail County Line
Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
LAKE
PORTER
County Line
Redbow
la
50
200
United States Highway 6
Alida
800
400
200
100
250
450
173rd
Warrrick
600
Ar
th
Division
Ida
Union
150
Willis
500
500
550
5th 3rd 1st
750
675
West Mill
Vigo Erie
ta Au gu s
Randolph
Kingsway
Montgomery
Stony Run
Randolph
Austin
Edith
Airport
Teresa
Woodbine
Lisa
Irving Eleanor
Monnier Destiny
Oakwood
625 County Line
Union
Hobart
Parke
Pike
Ontario
Park Pike
Oakhill
Marine
Clam
Ryan
Swanson Iris
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Bryant Bender Fern
Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Edgewood
Joann Blake
Worthington
Swanson Walsh
Union Vermillion
Union
Kelly Ohio
Shelby
Wayne
Hillcrest
712
Ripley Route 51
Hobart
State Road 51 Grand
Willowcreek
Wells
Warren
Tippecanoe
Warrick
Rabbit
Lapine
Ripley
County Line
Morgan
Grand
Morgan Orange
Henry
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Lake Park
Ash
Ash Ellendale
h
Water
Lincoln
Ash
Randolph
Unknown
Shore
Montgomery
or
500
500
n lingto
Meadow Glen
36
r
300
300
Laporte
Bowman M
Joliet
860
Evans
Fro Comf nta ord ge
Norcross
Knox
r ge Sa
Martinal Domke
2
be
Cascade
Penna Hill
Jefferson Main
Main
700
Am
George
od
lter
y2
Hw
1100
wo
2
500
Chicago
Laporte Union
Lin
City View Fairview
ntrae
Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Lincolnway Wood Chicago
525
Vale Park
Harmel
k atatuc Musc
Cedar
South
Factory West
Alice Chandana
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
Ore
Kelleewood le Map
Valparaiso
Park
600
ad
Ro
Ash
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
rd
nd
Burlington Beach Robin
Kraus
te
Sta
dre
te Sta
Oak
400
Old
CSXT
350
375
400
Cou
St An
Beechnut
Chicago South Shore Line The South Shore Line, an electrically powered interurban passenger rail Westville line operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), travels between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago and the South Bend Regional Airport in South Bend, Indiana.
Line
Diamond
o
700
600
Linda Wesly
Hic ko ry
Farg
Jonquill
Isla
250 State Road 2
350
nty
6
200
300
Cou
Andover
Ransom
650
125
Otis
ning
Gree
w
200
Windmill
830
600
90
Vie
Axe
Lake
Grand
et
n
sale
Southport
hill
e
Rustic
shor
Lake
Hancock
Lake
Calum
Aspe
Kin
Galway
mer
580
e lop
ys nn
Su
ow
Grand
0
30
Rodgers
Tremont
Opal
nd
Shasta
650
32
M
Johnson
ra
400
500
Bates Alyea Sigler South
G
p
500
Hebron
er
d an
150
Incorporated Areas
725
900
s
700
638 63 2
125
1050
950
I-90
950
w C re
Goodview
350
Streams
1000
Windemere
725
st
Snyder
1100
g
Meska
sa
St Clair Worchester Spectacle
Balla
Estates
1160
enin
I-80
rry
li hil
Lake / Water Bodies
Gre
I-80
I-80
Division
Burdick
re
Stoneridge
50
Amtrak Amtrak has one line in northern Porter County which parallels the south shore of Lake Michigan. There are currently no stops along the Amtrak route within Porter County.
1200 1174
Reve
Barbe
e We
Warren
2
Forest View Laurel
High Voltage Lines
450
eld Muirfi Larwick
Leanna
ney
Paul
Gateway
950
Smith
Project Study Area
800
la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
Kilarney
49
Southfield
Active Rail State Road 2
Tr
Fleetwood
Road 375
Horn
Hack
Lagura
Abandoned Rail
31
165th
ss
100
50
125
1275
1250
United States Highway 6
645
Tanglewood
Calaveras
Westgate
w
100
Woodland
213
Joliet
30
200
eado
Meadowood
Proposed Roads
310
400
County
1325
1300
1200
200
1350
775
ffo
Sum
Gerald
ad
Me
138
y2
157th
State Road 2
Rol
75
250
500
ial
250
1400
1050
Ridgeway
Cli
Division M ling
Major Corridors
198
Leslie
ford
50
142nd
Duffer
ex W
14
26
600
wa
Robbie
4
1225
l
Colon
300
1500
811
550
Kimrich
Individual’s Access
70
dS tate
igh
149
130
50
Roads
350
ite
sH
ad
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
100
50
Base Map
275
129th
145th
Ro
1500
I-9
1325
Michae
Trateba
Alta
625
CN
United States Highway 30
Loganberry
123rd
137th
Un
Illinois
Garnet
Mill
Su
x
coln
th Miami
pe
Jo al 1100
Passenger rail lines alleviate the road network from rush hour traffic pressure and help reduce potential vehicle carbon emissions. In addition to standard passenger rail service, the Amtrak and CN railroad lines that parallel US 20 have been federally designated for High Speed Rail. There are currently no plans for improvements to these tracks.
Arbor
Stonegate
Meridian Road
wood
Lin
7 10
h
et
At-Grade Crossing
lo nnys
Park
124t
129th
State
Pheasant Hill
38
Windridge
0
1550
Jackson 1400
Park
Indiana Bowser
Eaglewood
tuck
Over/Underpass Crossing
101st
112th
d
5
b
t
th
106th
ewoo
550
Railroad Crossings
94th
99th
Cattail Mallard
37
try Clu
86th
97th
117th
Nan
600
Legend
91st
93rd
United States Highway 6
Midway
365
Jolie
Indiana Lincoln
Sta
Passenger Rail
y2
wa
igh
sH
te
d
ite
Un
1
Indian Boundary
Brown Wabash
Fox Point tree
Crab
ay
Hale
Park
Porter Laura
850
750 Lahonda
375
Hill
154
95th 96
875
400
Haven
Dalke
hw
Hig
12
6 36
ram p2 5A Saemann
Warren
Broadway
Sauk
Sta te
450
350
oln
Jodi
900
Robbins
Lighthouse
Pin
Jo
61st
89th
109th
Veterans
CFER130 (CSXT)
Merrillville
7th
Marietta
tail
Norris
Linc
Rushingwater
Prescott
81st
85th
Coronado
Pin
Coun
Old
1000
Bruce
Squirrel Creek
Ravenwood
y
73 rd
orth Ainsw
s
il Tra
Elizabeth
Holmes
s ne
Libert
n
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
ide
1050
Glen
Unio
Zurich Lamar
Lute
625
16th
Jos
e Central Bush
Park
Eugene
264
10th
Hobart
Lake
61st
700
Sunrise
Luther
9th
Tech
Lenburg
Ela in
Oxbow
ry
Sienna
Echo
w
th
Canterbury
Tulip
Birch
d
lan
ne
Indigo
Ne
5th 6th
Du
Wessex
Coral
mo
Me
irie
Vienna
Arbors
ian
5th7th
10th
Fraser Rush
Ruta
Lill
Fro
8th
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home nt
d
Pra
Wyandot
Baldwin
Quail
Boulder
North 38th
rter Old Po
Industrial
Portage
eph
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
ram
Michigami
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
37th Rand
Bell
B
23 ranp
Bend
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
36th
h
igan Mich 23rd
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
Hobart
Evergreen Sand Lundy
Lake Station
Portage
Houston
y
be Dom
20th
21st
Parke
lane River
Plaza
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
s
20th 21st
I-80
0 I-8 18th
South
Fitz
m
Cle
on Carls Eagle Old Porter
am
0 I-8 Donna
I-80
South
Boo
North Boo
am
Daniel Burh
Ad
Ho ba rt
port
ach
geco
Sta
Shell
Melton
9th 9th
I-90
-90
6th
we Beam
Esse
5th
Pine
Ho
Lawson
Wahl
5th Miller 5th
6th
Oak Ridge
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
tes
Sta
1500
Hjelm
Cardinal
Hemlock
Parke
Ash Ash
Birch
Tr
Pottowatami
United State s Highway 12
ay 12 Highw States United
Diana
is
Ha rold
Pine Oak Oak
nc
Forest
Maple
t Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
Fra
est
Pine
Oak Locust
te quet Mar
ited
Un
Miami
Hill
t
Ship
Shore Turret
Bote Roskin
W es
Aspen Dunemoor Central
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
Summitt
er
Chicago South Shore South Bend Railroad Company (CSS) Travels along Lake Michigan within northern Porter County.
Porter County Corridor Plan
ale
ANALYSIS
and downtown Chicago. The proposal for this line is a direct result of increased demand on the South Shore Line due to overall population growth, increase in the number of commuters within the region, rising fuel costs, and environmental awareness. NICTD intends to pursue funding for the Lowell segment first, due to higher ridership projections, followed later by the application for funding of the Valparaiso segment.
Regional Bus Service Paved
Shared Roadway
The Northwest Shoulder Indiana Regional Bus Authority operates two routes within Porter County. The first is a commuter rail connector between Valparaiso and theDitch/ South swale Shore Line along SR 49. The second is a demand response route that connects Valparaiso to Lake County along US 6, SR 140, and SR 130. On a demand response route a passenger calls a day or two Shared Roadway Paved Shoulder in advance to schedule a ride. This service is provided by small busses or vans through curb-to-curb service.
the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. Benefits of the busses include Wi-Fi Internet service, satellite TV, and on-board electrical outlets for computer use. The travel time from Valparaiso to Chicago is just over an hour. Riders can park for free at Valparaiso’s Village Station. The busses travel an express route from Valparaiso to downtown Chicago with a cost of $7.50 per one-way trip. (http://www.chicagodash.com/index.html) Paved Shoulder
Non-Motorized Transportation With state and national initiatives to get fit, the County is committed to providing facilities for non-motorized Ditch/ swale transportation including sidewalks, trails, bike lanes or routes, blueways, and greenways. Facilities that should be included on or along the study corridors include: Paved Shoulder
Objectives resulting from a needs analysis in the Ditch/ swale Northwest Indiana 2020 Vision Plan include: Bike Route - Shared Roadway • Introduce new services Paved for Valparaiso, includShoulder ing a bus Sidewalk Paved Bike route along Drive Lanes Shoulder Lane Route 49, with service to NICTD station, a downtown circulator, and a Ditch/ swale transit hub. • Serve Portage with local Dedicated Bicycle Lane shuttle and employerSidewalk based Paved services. Bike Drive Lanes Shoulder Lane The new ChicaGo Dash bus service to Chicago began its run in October 2008. This Service is supported by the city of Valparaiso, the Valparaiso RedevelopBicycle Path ment Commission,Sidewalk and Paved Bike Northwest Indiana Regional Shoulder Lane Paved Drive Lanes Paved Bus Authority Shoulder with financial Shoulder support from the Northwest Indiana Regional DevelopDitch/ swale ment Authority, the Federal Ditch/ swale Transit Administration, and Paved Shoulder
Drive Lanes
1. Bicycle Route - A bike facility shared with motor vehicles. Bike routes are typically identified only by a sign and is without any pavement markings.Ditch/ Theswale sign serves to identify the route
Paved Shoulder
Shared Roadway Bike Lane
Sidewalk
Ditch/ swale Ditch/ swale
Bike Lane
Paved Shoulder
Sidewalk
Ditch/ swale
Drive Lanes
Bike Paved Lane Shoulder Separate Bicycle Facilities
Sidewalk
Ditch/ swale
Separate Bicycle Facilities
Paved Shoulder
Adopted 05/19/2009
PART 2: ANALYSIS Ditch/ swale
Paved Shoulder
Ditch/ swale
33
ANALYSIS
and to alert motorists of the existence of cyclists along that route. 2. Bicycle Lanes - A designated lane on a roadway expressly for the use of cyclists. It is identified not only with signs on posts, but with stencilled signs and striping on pavement. 3. Bike path / Multi-use path - Off-Road facilities that can be paved or unpaved. These facilities may parallel a road but typically are separated by landscaping. These routes that are shared with pedestrians, joggers, skaters and at times equestrians offer connections between parks, neighborhoods, schools, and other destinations. Several plans have already been created with goals related to non-motorized facility creation. There are currently two major initiatives for new trails
in Porter County: those proposed by the Indiana Greenways Foundation / Hoosier Rails-to-Trails Council and trails being planned or recommended by NIRPC. NIRPC Recommendations NIRPC’s Ped and Pedal Plan 2005 recommends several routes in Porter County for pedestrians and bicycles. (See Priority Regional Trails and Corridors map.) Recommended routes that follow study corridors within this Corridor Plan include SR 130, Meridian Road, and SR 2, and SR 8. The facilities along SR 8 could either take advantage of a parallel abandoned rail line trail or SR 8 could become a shared roadway. NIRPC also has several recommended shared roadway cycling routes designated on the Northwest Indiana Bike Map (Spring 2008). These routes do not follow any of the study corridors opting instead for corridors NIRPC Multi-Use Trail Prioritization
34
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
1100
1050
Plain
Unnamed
950
Rolling Meadows
Shebel 900
B
Circle
l Mil w elo Big
900
1025
1100
Main Illinois 1050
1050
PORTER
1100
County Line
1050
County Highway 1185 450
Suitable Cycling Condition (Use Caution) Crushed Stone Trail Paved Trail State Highway 8
1150
300
Mill
2100
1100
400
1000
Major Corridors
1000
2200
Proposed Roads
325
2300
1125
Millers
Abandoned Rail 2350 1050
Active Rail
350
300
United States Highway 421
Roads
600
275 State Road 49
50
150
Ba um
sB
250
500
1850
Trail Under Development
ridg e
350 400
475
500
2400
County Line
200
500
550
Incorporated Areas
ve
r
County Line
1400 1200
250
County
County Road 1450
Project Study Area 550
Road 142
5
400
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
400
650
State Road 10
300
Cardinal
1400
1400
Toto
350
Streams
1100
Ri
County Road 600
ee
County Road 180
100
1400
Lake / Water Bodies
1300
ak
500
nk
1500
1450
350
450
550
600
1350
400
1400
ard
200
esap Win Old Orc h
3 Miles
500
1400
Ka
1600
State Road 231
2
700
Halleck
900
Haskell
1150
S County Road County Line 675
Main
125
Church
50
Smoke
150
200
350
State Road 8 Kelvyn
1125
e
950
LAPORTE 1175
650 575
550
450
600
150
150
1800
1050
Dik
Randolph
1000
1100
1200
8th
Excellent Cycling Condition Satisfactory Cycling Condition
Ross
1050
125
15th
Center
Elm
oad
2
600
te R Sta Old 575 600 564 575
550 500 525
195
Meridian
100
175
375
575
Rustic Acres
575 625
550
1200
0 1/2 1
1000
1400
Willow Flynn
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
500 500
450
400
Niles
435
Legend
Base Map 950
NIRPC Cycling Routes 1400
1550 1600
1700
250
225
30 0
Norbeh Oakbrook
Union
Daumer
1800
1600
1500
1500
NIRPC Recommendations
McKinley
Kouts
1025
205th
217th
1400
400
400
Acorn
d
1350
650
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
y
R
Bailey
350
100
388 Walnut
900
ER RT PO ER SP JA
United States Highway 30 High
Post
Legion
150
700
8
1000
se am
1st
368
State Road 49
150
250
300
Fairoaks
Reif
Earl Carrie
1200
150
300 350
450
700
750
Unnamed
Sundew
550
wdale Mea do
Kaper
400
325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
ay 30
Oak Breeze
Rillstone
670
Corbly
Alcin
475
400 Northfield 400
Rigg
Rigg
ton
e
Montdale
ys
Industrial
100
49
540
650
Martin
1150
575
650
350
300 325
Deerfield
Bartz
in Ca
Engle
Dove Mayfield
Ra
Highw
Nathan
1700
Gran
County Line
345
325 Old Suman
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass
Silhavy
Shaker
100
150
30
States
600
700
725
United States Highway 421
500 425
375
450
Brummitt
Littler
200 150
State Road 49
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et
age
Ca
Sturdy
Hearthstone
Smoke
Co Line
600
275
425
300 Brummitt
it
m
mm
Bru
Arbutus Redbud Gra ha
250
ek
Cre
nd
325
Miami
Victoria
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Franklin
Greenwich
r
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
dso Win
Sears Linden
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Heavilin
Braemar
2 ad Ro te Sta
275
100
United
75
450
Windy Oak
700
State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
Murvihill
Rain
Harrison
1000
in
United States Highway 231
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
dy
150
100
Calumet
E 31 m p
70
Meridian
50 Jade
50
Old Oak
Sherwood
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Thornapple Mau mee
Sylvan
Sa
Olivia
Laurel Creek
50
ra
Alpine
Slalom
125
ate
Shatz
Lismore
Prentis Froberg s 150
Skyline
Hayes Leonard
Webbs
Kincraig
Carmo
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
5th
11th
50 Bernie
75
200
Pri v
175
250
Kristen
Tower
od wo le
325
Deerpath
Harrison
Tremont
25
Main
Waverly
Ra
nk in
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
50
Elgin
Crocker
25th
Babcock
Pearson
Mineral Springs
100 Jane 125
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
State Road 149
350
Lakepark
325
id Br
350
Devon Carmand
550 Lourdes
Timber
Springwood
Allegheny
675
325
375 ley
375
Pix
500
York
1 64
656
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675 695
725
y Valle den
Hid
County Line
550
870
150
500
100
1014
400
Blackthorn
Elw
Randolph
200
550
r
Warrrick
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
McCool Mc Cool
Robin
475 475
550
600
750
687
700
e's al Te Roy Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
PORTER
LAKE
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
Austin
450
June
Olympia
550
650
725
625 White Tail County Line
Erie
sta gu Au
Kingsway
Union
Montgomery
1st
700
860
425
450
500
United States Highway 6
Alida
800
400
200
400
Walte
Grand
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson State Road 249
Crisman
Carmen
Delta 500
500
625 675
West Mill
Vigo
Ontario
Randolph Randolph Montgomery
Grand
Hancock
Edith
Airport
Teresa
Destiny
Willowcreek
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712
750
5th 3rd 1st
County Line
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Gibson Floyd
150
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Oakwood
Worthington
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Bryant
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Edgewood
Union
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby
Union
State Road 51 Grand
Lisa
Warren
Wells
County Line
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Route 51
Hobart Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Joann Blake
Morgan
Ripley Morgan Orange
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Lake Park
Ash Ash Ellendale
Ash Ash
Medlee
Warrick
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Dekalb
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Lasalle
Riv er
Virginia
Decatur State
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Clay Benton
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350
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325
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300
300
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36
375
173rd
State Road 2
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nd
200
250 State Road 2
ko
700
600
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450
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600
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150
550
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830
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300
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700
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650
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900
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638 63 2
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213
275
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138
198
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123rd
129th
141st
75
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United States Highway 6
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Division
580
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121st
50
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Leanna
10
112th
113th
117th
38
14
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Lagura
1225
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645
Fleetwood
Road 375
Horn
1275
1250
Stoneridge
Gateway
950
100
50
125
1174
Paul
200
1325
1300
1325
1200
Kilarney
250
1400
1350
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Calaveras
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50
26
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hill
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109th
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101st 102nd
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91st
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149
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United States Highway 30
89th
93rd
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Illinois
66
ANALYSIS
300
1500
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1500
1550
Jackson 1400
Park
Indiana Bowser
0
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Trateba
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550
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Sta
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Stonegate
Meridian Road
365
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Brown Wabash
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20 13
Indian Boundary
Warren
Fox Point Jo al tree Crab 1100 Windridge
625
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550
Merrillville
104
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12
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hw
Hig
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State
154
97th
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Linc
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Cattail Mallard
375
Hill
350
Linc
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
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Sta
1500
Chesterton
Park
Porter Laura
850
Midway
600
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Dalke
875
400 Haven
Michigami
Broadway
Sauk
tail
Jo
81st
85th
Robbins
Lighthouse
Pin
130 450
b
81st
83rd
Marietta
Prescott
61st
75th
Old
Coronado
Pin
Norris try Clu
73 rd
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Squirrel Creek
Holmes
Coun
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Dek
70th
1000
Jodi
900
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62nd
1050
Bruce
Rushingwater
Ravenwood
Veterans
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Libert
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10th
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Lute
625
16th
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Elizabeth
Arbors
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Hobart
Lake
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700
Canterbury
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Wyandot
Baldwin
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5th 6th
mo
Me
Tulip
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Du
Wessex
Coral
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Vienna
Lenburg
Pine
Mulberry
Birch
d lan
Sunrise
9th
10th
Luther
10th
13th
Lill
5th7th
8th
Fraser Rush
7th
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Pra
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home
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3rd 4th
Ash 2nd
Boulder
Evergreen Sand
Lark
Lakeview
North 38th
Rand
Quail Ruta
dge
37th
Bell
Bend
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
Old Ri
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Rush
36th
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
Hobart Garfield
35th
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Lake Station
23 B
Tech Industrial
Portage
Park
Eugene
264
lane River
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Sienna
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24th
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Burns Harbor am
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15th
15th
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Shell
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I-90
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5th
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12
Hjelm Cardinal
Parke
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Oak Ridge
Porter
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
Hig
States
United
United State
hway 12
Hemlock
5th Miller 5th
6th
Diana
Tr
Pottowatami
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Ash Ash
Birch
3rd
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
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Pine Oak Oak
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Juniper Forest Fir
Maple
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
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Miami
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Hill
Summitt
Bote Roskin Aspen Dunemoor Central
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
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PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
35
Drive Lanes
Bike Lane
ANALYSIS
Paved Shoulder
Sidewalk
Ditch/ swale
with less vehicular traffic volume. Several recommended cycling routes intersect the study corridors. Figure 1: Sample Bicycle Safety Signs includes examples of signage that may increase awareness of crossing bicyclists.
Currently it appears as though the American Discovery Trail which is parallel to or along the SR 8 corridor, the SR 49 trail, and the Winfield Corridor are the most likely candidates for near-future achievement. However, a trail along Meridian Road to connect neighborhoods, parks, and other destinations is desired.
Figure 1: Sample Bicycle Safety Signs
The NIRPC Ped and Pedal Plan (2005) prioritizes trail corridors within the region. The plan includes many abandoned rail corridors, such as the American DisPaved Drive Lanescovery Trail between Hebron to Kouts and beyond, Shoulder and the Winfield Trail which extends from the Pensy Greenway Trail southeast towards North Judson. It also includes routes along some of the study corridors including SR 2, Meridian Road, and SR 130. SR 2 east of Valparaiso, all of SR 130, and Meridian Road Ditch/ swale from Valparaiso to Chesterton are considered medium priority corridors based on population density, connections to trails outside the region, location of environmental justice populations, constructability, and employment. The plan also includes a map of utility corridor locations owned by or with easements for the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO). The plan recommends consideration of these utility corridors for trail development. NIRPC is preparing a study for a trail (the DunesKankakee Trail) that will roughly parallel SR 49 in Porter County, linking Dunes State Park with Chesterton, Valparaiso, and the Porter County Fairgrounds. Trailheads and access points have not yet been identified. Potential Abandoned Rail Trail Design
Bicycle Facilities
36
Indiana Greenways Foundation Recommendations The term “rails-to-trails” refers to the development of trails on abandoned rail corridors where right-of-way is still in place or easements can be procured. Paved or unpaved sections provide space for walking, bicycling, roller blading, mountain-biking, or equestrian use. Segments of the Prairie Duneland Trail and the Separate Bicycle these segments Calumet Trail are in use. Eventually Facilities will link to the Erie/Lackawanna Trail (Lake County) and a wider system of trails. A third Greenways Foundation trail, the Veterans Memorial Trail, is also planned from the Pennsy Greenway to Crown Point (Lake County) and on to Hebron. These segments will eventually become part of the nationwide American Discovery Trail. The corridor continues southeast of Hebron, through Kouts, and into Winamac. The segment between Hebron and Winamac is not currently targeted for trail development. At Winamac the corridor becomes the planned Panhandle Pathway along the former Pennsylvania Central line (United States Railway Association) into Logansport.
Blueway Corridors
According to the NIRPC / Openlands Greenways and Blueways Plan, 2007, blueways are water trails that consist of “a creek, river, or lake shore with several places where a paddler can put in or take out a canoe or kayak. These access points have interpretive signage that provides clear and accurate Pedestrian guidance to the Facilities paddler, so that he or she knows what to expect along the route and what level of experience is necessary to traverse the route.”
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Air Transportation
Several of the identified Blueways intersect with the subject corridors. The most prominent of which are Salt Creek, the Kankakee River, and Deep River in Lake County.
The Porter County Municipal Airport has recently begun the Area of Airport Zone Development Study for an area of 15 square miles surrounding the airport. As part of this process, the Airport Zone Development Committee has been formed and is working on defining the airport study area. The timeline has not yet been set for this project, but recommendations¬« from this Plan and the Airport Study should be compatible.
Center
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550
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1000
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360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
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700
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Preliminary Draft of the Airport Zone Development Study boundary.
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198
Sta
tes
Indiana Lincoln
Ridgeway
Kin
500
Kimrich
Leanna
Lake
Uni ted
Brown Wabash
Sta
Jackson 1400
Park
Chesterton
625
Robbie
Hale
20
ay
ighw
sH
te
d
te
Uni
20
Arbor
Indian Boundary
Fox Point Jo al e Crabtre 1100 Windridge
Meridian Road
adow g Me Rollin Forest View Laurel
138
275
137th
145th
14
26
580
ore
129th
141st
e
Loganberry
123rd
Cattail Mallard
149
Deep River 75
e
Park
Rustic
129th
nnys
Lakesh
124th
70
slop ny
Su
1500
ram p 25 A Saemann
Eaglewood
130
Scarbo rough Amhur st Wessex Sho re woo Drive d Drive
100
Gerald
lop
w
117th 121st
50
Sun
do
112th
ad
50
38
Mea
h Miami
7t
10 109th
113th
Ro
Sum
101st
106th
State
ford
Pheasant Hill
50
th
99th
Essex
ex W
97th
t
Garnet
Mill
United States Highway 30
154
101st 102nd
105th 106th 107th
d
550
91st
104th
ewoo
cke
Nantu
130
Illinois
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
365
94th
Michigami
Park
y 12
State
Un
Warren
Broadway
Porter Laura
Sauk
State
89th
95th 96
Pine
850
Midway
600
Merrillville 93rd
Hill
Lighthouse
od
coln
86th
85th
Park
Eugene
Dalke
875
375
Hill
Joliet
Vine
Port Cove
1050
5 37
Haven
B
p 22
900
Robbins
400
81st
83rd
Marietta
Jodi
Glenwo
450
Lin
Lincol
n
81st
Coronado
Veterans
Jo
350
Old
Squirrel Creek
Ravenwood
Pin
s
Club
h
Ainswort
ram
1000
Bruce
Rushingwater
ail
Country
b
Dekal
rd
D
p 22
ter
264
r
73
Zurich Lamar
ne
Norris
Lenburg
Elain e Central Bush
lside
Holmes
61st
75th
Trai
Oxbow
Rive
Bracken er Eld
Birch
Lute
625
Union
Liberty
ep
16th 62nd
Portage
Vienna
Elizabeth
Prescott
Pint
Sunrise
Luther
Hobart
Lake
De
61st
70th
9th
10th
ram
Old Por
Tech
Echo
n
5th 6th
ory
Mem
20
Sienna
Berg
Industrial
Jose
ph
Wyandot
Arbors
Lillia
5th7th
10th
Tulip
700
Canterbury
B
23 ranp
Lark
land ne Du
Wessex
Coral
Portage
How e Beam
ited
12
Hjelm
Mulberry
Baldwin
t on
Fr
8th
9th
rie
Prai
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home
w Ne
10th
Boulder
North 38th
Fraser Rush
Ash 2nd
7th
13th
37th Rand
Quail
Houston
Evergreen Sand
Lakeview
Rush
36th
Ruta
3rd 4th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Bell
Bend
Garfield
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st Old Ridg e
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
Hobart
bey Dom
n Michiga 23rd
iew Potomac Liberty
Valleyv
Canary
s
ne
Riverla
Plaza
20th
North Boo
Daniel Burham
South
Fitz
Clem
Carlson Eagle Old Porter
Boo
Indigo
28th
Liverpool
35th
21st
Lake Station
Parke
I-80 25th
0 I-8 18th
I-80
20th 21st
I-80 23rd
24th
0 I-8 Donna
Southpo
I-94
Porter
Lawson
Burns Harbor
am
art
rt
ach
geco
Sta
Dunes Forest
Oak Six Box Woodlandn Oak Hill Stephe
Highway 12
Ad
Hob
I-90
15th
15th
Oak Ridge
6th
I-90
249 State Road Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
Wahl
5th
Melton
9th 9th
United States
ay 12
s Highw
State United
Hemlock
5th Miller 5th
6th
Diana
Shell
12th 13th
h Ash
As
Birch
3rd
Miller
7th
Miller 10th
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Tr Pottowatami
Parke
Daley
6th
6th
Maple
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
ette Marqu Forest
Juniper Forest Fir
t
Tremont
East ge Rid st Cre
s Hi
ore
Sh
Lake Michigan
W es
wa
gh
Bote Roskin
Beach
Summitt
RD
CR 325 E
SR2 & Kankakee SR 49 & Kankakee Salt Creek & SR 2 Salt Creek & SR 130 (3 locations) SR 149 & CR 700 (Salt Creek) SR 149 just north of CR 875 (Salt Creek)
Greenwich
• • • • • •
¬ «
The following points would likely be at an intersection of a study corridor and waterway. They have the potential to create links to natural and recreation areas and should be incorporated as corridors develop.
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
37
ANALYSIS
Utility Service Areas Successful growth and development on Porter County corridors requires adequate roads and utilities that meet current needs and share future capacity service needs. The improvements to or extension of roads provides an opportunity for extending utilities as well, which in turn will influence future growth patterns.
Sanitary Sewer Service Inventory Porter County has 16 sanitary service areas, 12 of which treat sewage. Currently, development within the corridor boundaries are served in the following ways. Public or Municipal • Chesterton (services Town of Porter; has extended service to one develop in County at 1050 N and 50 W) • Hebron (stays within town limits) • Kouts (stays within town limits) • Portage (has extended to a conservancy district) • Valparaiso (has extended beyond borders for a number of developments in the county) • verbal agreement between two governments to review developments jointly Private Utilities All private utilities below own and operate their own treatment plant. • Shorewood Utilities (services Shorewood forest and two other developments to the south of Shorewood) • South Haven Sewers (Services South Haven and areas NW of Valparaiso) • Twin Lakes Utilities (Services Lakes of the Four Seasons) • Fox Chase Farms (treatment facility is a wetlands system) Conservancy Districts • Damon Run (services development along US 6 and Meridian; waste treated by Portage) • Falling Waters (services Falling Waters subdivision, owns and operates treatment plant) • Indian Boundary (East of Chesterton and waste treated by Chesterton utilities) • Lake Eliza (Services the Lake Eliza develop-
38
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
ments and Boone Grove High School) • Nature Works (services Aberdeen along SR 2 south of Valparaiso and a couple of developments adjacent to Aberdeen; owns and operates treatment plant) • Valparaiso Lakes Area (services area north of Valparaiso; waste treated by Valparaiso Utilities) • White Oak Conservancy (services Wheeler and developments along SR 130 plus Wheeler H.S.; waste treated by Hobart Utilities)
Sanitary Sewer Service Analysis Large-Scale Treatment All of the Likely Growth Areas (shown in the Sanitary Sewer Service Area and the Water Service Area maps, pages 40-41) connect on at least one end with existing sanitary service areas, but only the growth shown along SR 6 follows an extension of sanitary service treated by the City of Portage, and in that case, the utility line only reaches from Portage to Meridian Road. All other growth areas would require an extension of sanitary service. In addition to the previously identified sanitary service areas, there are also some developments within the county that have private package treatment plants that do not extend service outside of their property, and therefore have not been included in this analysis. With regard to public and municipal sanitary service providers, all systems are capable of extending service, but it is the policy of the towns of Kouts and Hebron not to extend utility service without annexation. Other municipalities extend water in conjunction with signed agreements that prohibit remonstrance in the event of municipal annexation. Septic Treatment Nearly every soil within Porter County is rated as being either “very limited” or “somewhat limited” for septic system absorption. Therefore, areas intended for development should be those that have access to sanitary sewer services to avoid potential septic system failure or contamination of groundwater.
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Water Service Inventory There are currently 6 major water providers within Porter County. Those located within the Lake Michigan Watershed draw water from the lake while those outside of the watershed draw water from wells. Water providers that access wells include Valparaiso, Kouts, and Hebron. Water providers include:
Septic Suitability Soils Map
• Indiana American Water Company (formerly Gary-Hobart Water Company) Private company servicing NW part of Porter County; restricted to Lake Michigan drainage area for service. Lake Michigan water is treated at plants in Gary and Portage area. • Hebron Water (Municipal well service to Town residents only) • Kouts Water (Municipal well service to Town residents only) • Michigan City Water Utility (services Beverly Shores and Pine) • Twin Lakes Utilities (services Lakes of the Four Seasons; well water) • Valparaiso Lakes Area Conservancy District (Services area north of Valparaiso; serviced by Valparaiso Water Dept.) • Valparaiso Water Utility (services Valparaiso area with municipal well water)
6
Meridian Road
130
49
149 2 30 30 2
Water Service Analysis The Likely Growth Areas are in line with existing water utilities in four main areas. Valparaiso has already extended water service southwest along SR 2 to the Aberdeen Subdivision, and northeast along SR 2 to the Washington Township Schools. Indiana American Water Company has water lines along US 6 from South Haven to Meridian Road, and provides water service to Timberland along Meridian Road.
8 49
2 231
Likely Growth Areas The Likely Growth Areas on the Utility Service Area maps are derived from the market analysis that indicated the most likely locations for new residential and commercial development. Refer to the “Development and Market Summary” beginning on page 42 for a more in depth analysis of how the Likely Growth Areas were determined.
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service - Web Soil Survey
Soils Somewhat limited for septic system Very limited for septic system Not rated
Adopted 05/19/2009
39
Co Line
375
Center
Plain
950
B
Circle
l Mil w elo 1025
1100
Main Illinois
1050 1050
1100 County Line
1050
1800
County Highway 1185
State Highway 8
1150
Likely Growth Areas 1100
2200
Abandoned Rail
325
1050
Active Rail
1125
High Voltage Lines 2350
350
300
500
1125
2400
County Line
200
500
550
1200
Ri
r
County Line
1400 1200
County
County Road 1450
Project Study Area 550
Road 142
5
400
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
350
Streams
650
State Road 10
300
Cardinal
1400
1400
250
1400
Lake / Water Bodies
Incorporated Areas
ve
County Road 600
ee
County Road 180
400
100
1450
350
500
450
550
700
1400
rd
ak
1300
1500
200
3 Miles
nk
500
1600
State Road 231
2
Ka
1050
1800
United States Highway 421
Proposed Roads
1000
1100
50
400
State Road 49
Ba
1000
1050
y
esap Win Old Orc ha
2100
Major Corridors
600
275
ridg um
sB
250
950
150
ER RT PO ER SP JA
Mill
450
Church
300
125
Legend
State Road 8 Kelvyn
Ross
e
350 400
475
500
Haskell
1150
Big
P R ER TE RT OR PO
L E TE RT OR PO AP LA
S County Road County Line 675
1175
650 575
600
150 Smoke
50
150
Daumer
Main
350
200
Jeflynn
McKinley
1025
600
1050
1100 Elm
2
600
te R oad
Sta
Old
575 600
564
575 550 500
525 550
450
550
Roads
575 625
Willow Flynn
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
500
500
435
350
Meridian
100
175
150
225
0 30 375
575
Rustic Acres
Union
Halleck
1600
1700
Kouts Water
Kouts
Jefferson
850
e
900
Unnamed
Sundew
550
Mea dowd ale
450
400
Niles
368
State Road 49
150
195
400
700
Fairoaks
8
1000
1350
Alcin
475
400
Northfield 400
325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
400
1400
650
Dik 950
1000
1350
900
Randolph 1100
1200
8th
County Line
650 350
Rigg
Rigg
ton
e
Montdale
ys Ra
Industrial
Sturdy
150
Smoke
Kaper
150
400
250
700
750
1400
Post
Legion
Rain
40
15th
United States Highway 30 High
150
388 Walnut
Rillstone
670
125
1000
1400
1st
600
Reif
0 1/2 1
Earl Carrie
1200
500
650
Martin
1600
1400
1150
575
450 345
325 300
325
Deerfield
Bartz
in Ca
Engle
Dove Mayfield
Greenwich
Hearthstone
Old Suman
200
Pioneer Harvest State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass Silhavy
Shaker
State Road 49
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et Ca
age
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Heavilin
350 450
550
Water Service Areas
217th
United States Highway 421
600 500
275
425
425
300 Brummitt
Arbutus Redbud Gra ham Brummitt Bru mm it
250
ek
Littler
200 150
70
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
Sears Linden Franklin
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Thornapple Mau mee
100
2 ad Ro te Sta
275
75
450
300
100
49
550
100
United States Highway 231
300
in
Norbeh Oakbrook
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
325
Elw
Harrison
100
250
540
700 State Highway 2
County Line
1st
r
1014
ay 30
425
450
600
Fairlane
Warrrick
325
Miami
Teale
Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
Cre
nd
Calumet
E 31 m p ra
Slalom Meridian
50 Jade
50
dsor Win
Old Oak
Sherwood
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Meagher Coolwood
Hayes Leonard
Un Bogata
Skyline
Sylvan Braemar
Kincraig
150
100
Laurel Creek
50
50 50 75
Alpine
125
Shatz 150
od le
wo
Webbs
id 325
Deerpath
Timber
Sa
5th 11th
Mineral Springs 100 Jane
200
ate
Pri v
175
Lismore
Prentis Froberg s
Lakepark
Kristen
Tower
325 325
Br
350
Devon
Carmand Lourdes
Sunset
Windy Oak
Carmo dy
Waverly
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central Chalamel
Penny Morningside
Ra nk in
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
Babcock
Elgin
Crocker
250
350
Mc Cool 375
ley
375
550
600
Sierra Madre
Delmar
Springwood
Allegheny
675
125
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
State Road 149
McCool Olympia Robin
Pix
York
1 64 656
687 700
675
695 725
y Valle den
Hid
Bernie
McCool June
500
475 475
500
600
750
e's al Te Roy
Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
PORTER
LAKE Union
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
Edith
Delta
450
500 550
650
725
550
White Tail County Line
Erie
sta gu Au Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery Montgomery
Highw
Oak Breeze
Blackthorn
400
Walte
Randolph
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson
State Road 249
Crisman
Carmen
Teresa
Airport
Woodbine
Irving Eleanor
Monnier Destiny
Willowcreek
625
5th 3rd 1st
750
625
West Mill
Vigo
Ontario
Pike Park Pike
Randolph
Knox
Grand
on ils
W
Grand
30
Nathan
Acorn
1500
870
1000
200
p
Ida
Hancock
150
Willis
Austin
Swanson Iris
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Bryant Bender Fern
Oakwood
Swanson Walsh
Worthington
County Line
675
Parke
State Road 51 Grand
Oakhill
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
712
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby Union
Hobart
Ash
Lisa
Wells
Warren
Edgewood
Joann Blake Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Union
Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Route 51
Hobart
Lake Park
Ash
Ash Ellendale
Ash
Warrick
Morgan
Ripley Morgan Orange
Lake Henry
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Floyd
Medlee
County Line
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay Cass
Dekalb
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
r Riv e Decatur
Virginia
Floyd Clay Benton
Benton Decatur
Gibson Floyd
illi
700
mse
700
100
States
150
200
350
Corbly
Ra
United States Highway 6
Alida
400
125
Norcross
Elkhart
400
Murvihill
100
250
Ph
205th d
600
150
United
50
George
Meadow Glen
Ash
r
Valparaiso Water Utility
nta
ge
500
500
1100
Fro
Oak
2
be
1200
Gran
Line
Am
200
1700
ne
nty Cou
r
ge
Sa
ord
Domke
Smith
Hebron Water
725
231 Sto
Otis
ning
nd
Comf
Martinal
Redbow
la
Main
860
gton Arlin
th
lter
2
Westville
2
300
300
Laporte
or
375
Jefferson Main
700
Evans
Bowman M
wy
te H
Sta
475
865
197 Th
Gree
600
ad
Ro
Cascade
Penna Hill
City View
500
173rd
Clay
Lake
od
Axe
2
500
Bates Alyea Sigler South
189th
0 30
wo
te
Sta
Beechnut
400
Old
525
Vale Park
Harmel
South
ry
Cou
dre
Chicago
Laporte Union Lin
Goodview
350
Hebron
2
go
700
600
Division
650
800
6
ko
350
500
150
450
31
165th
Alice Chandana
36
Estates
550
167th
Kelleewood le Map
Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Lincolnway Wood Chicago
Shasta
375
y2
State Road 2
Larwick
580
e
142nd
157th
nd
400
600
wa
Wesly
Isla
450
tate
igh
ntrae
Linda
Cedar
Brown
Factory West
Hic
St An
600
Jonquill
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Southfield
State Road 2
dS
sH
Balla
w
Valparaiso
Park
ata
Musc
Vie
Burlington Beach Robin
Kraus
Ore
tuck
nd
650
112
310
350
Stony Run
ite
lop
Unknown
Un
ys
Shore
145th
Woodland
275
137th
141st
nn
Lake
h
129th
Forest View Laurel
100
Meadowood
213
250
w
eado
Rol
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
Twin Lakes Utilities 75
e
Rustic
shor
Lake
124t
129th
Su
ow
ad
Me
7th Miami
117th 121st
e
lop
nnys
Su
Park
ney
eld
10
112th 113th
50 70
Hack
Lagura
Division
M ling
Horn
830
200
250 State Road 2
300
Valparaiso Lakes Area Conservancy District
Johnson
ra
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
Calaveras
Westgate
G
Diamond
200
Windmill
700
st
638 63 2
Fairview
hill
106th 109th
14
26
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
38
400
Road 375
Muirfi
mer
101st
Joliet
30
200
er
nd
725
w C re
sa
St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
Ransom
rd
Leanna
99th
153rd
50
th
101st 102nd
104 th
100
50
sale
Cli ffo
Sum
91st
94th
400
County
900
s
Meska
49
e We
Warren
Kin
Southport
Merrillville
97th
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
ford
Pheasant Hill
89th
95th 96
Kimrich
Rodgers
United States Highway 30
Tr
Fleetwood
125
Far
645
Tanglewood
Galway
t
154
93rd
5
Jolie
ex W
86th
85th
400 375
Garnet
Mill
81st
83rd
500
I-90
950
United States Highway 6
Ridgeway
550
37
oln
ncol n
Robbie
1100
1050
950
I-80 Ma
Snyder
1000
Windemere
rry
Division
1160
Gre enin g
I-80
Barbe
50
Burdick
1200
811
625
149
1225
1174
I-80
100
50
125
775
Meridian Road
130
1325
1275
Stoneridge
Gateway
950
200
1350
1050
Eaglewood
365
350
Old Li
81st
Hill
oad
130
Kilarney
90
Illinois
1400
1250
Paul Reve re
Trateba
Alta
250
1300
1200
ss la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
Opal
State
te R
Linc
75th
Haven
b
rd
try Clu
73
550
Indiana American Water Company orth Ainsw
et tuck Nan
600
Sta
450
Cattail Mallard
wood
61st
et
Prescott
Jo
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
ial
Stonegate
850
Midway
tail
es
Dalke
875
Pin ewoo d
Pin
Norris
Fox Point Jo al tree Crab 1100 Windridge
4 I-9
1325
l
Colon
300
1500
I-94
Michae
Chesterton
Park
Sauk
Holmes
Coun
alb
Dek
70th
Robbins
Lighthouse
y
er
Riv
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
Marietta
Veterans
n
Libert
n
Squirrel Creek
Jodi
Glen
Unio
Coronado
625
16th
Indiana Bowser
1500
1550
Jackson 1400
Park
Calum
9th
10th
Hobart
Lake
ep
De
61st
Zurich Lamar
Rushingwater
Oxbow
ry
mo
Me
Sunrise
9th
10th
700
Canterbury
Coral
Indiana Lincoln
sH te Sta
Arbor
n Aspe
5th 6th
5th7th
8th
Wessex
Broadway
Hale
66 13
Indian Boundary
Brown Wabash
0 y2 wa igh
d ite Un
20
Tremont
ian
Luther
10th
13th
Lill w Ne
7th
Hickey Division Home nt
Fro
ne
Du
1000
Bruce
900
Arbors
Ash 2nd
irie
Pra
High Jackson Tulip Fraser Rush
dge
3rd 4th
Ruta
Old Ri
North 38th
Rand
Quail
Boulder
Lute
Baldwin
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
37th
Tulip
Birch
d lan
e
sid
il Tra
1500
ram p2 5A Saemann
Central Bush
Elizabeth Ravenwood
Bend
36th
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
36th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
ph
Michigami
Warren
Mulberry
Wyandot
12
Hjelm Cardinal
Hobart
23 B
ranp
is nc Fra
Riv
Garfield
35th
Evergreen Sand
Ela
ine
Vienna
Park
Eugene
1050
Pine
Porter Laura
Leslie
31st
Bell
Tech
Lenburg
264
ne erla
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
Sienna
rter
Industrial
Portage
Jose
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
ram
Old Po
Echo
ol
Liverpo
igan Mich 23rd
Lake Station
Portage
Houston
Lawson
Duffer
21st
20th
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
Ho we
x Esse
20th 21st
Plaza bey Dom
Eagle Old Porter
South
Fitz
m
Cle
20 Indigo
I-80
Parke
28th
0 I-8 Donna 0 I-8 18th
s
rt
on
Carls
Boo
North Boo
am
ba
South
I-94
Porter Beam
Burns Harbor
am Daniel Burh
t
Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
port
ach
geco
Sta
United State
ay 12
Ad
Ho
I-80
23rd I-80 25th
24th
Oak Ridge
6th
Melton
9th 9th I-90
I-90
Highw
States
United
Wahl
5th
15th
15th
Diana
Hemlock
5th Miller 5th
6th
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Tr Pottowatami
Shell
10th 12th 13th
Maple
Parke
3rd
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Ash Ash
Birch
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
te quet Mar Forest
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
t
igh sH
tate
dS
ite Un
Miami
Lake Michigan
Juniper Forest Fir
Hill
Summitt
12
y wa
Bote Roskin
Olivia
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
W es
Main
ANALYSIS
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
Co Line
Sundew
950
Willow Flynn
B
l Mil
elo
w
Haskell
1025
Main Illinois 1050
1050
1050
1800
County Highway 1185
State Highway 8
1150
Likely Growth Areas
Ross
1100
400
1050
Proposed Roads
1000
2200
Abandoned Rail
325
1050
Active Rail High Voltage Lines 2400
County Line
200
500
550
r
County Line
1400
1200
1400
County Road 1450
550
1100
County Road 600
5
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
Project Study Area
Road 142
500
1400
350
Streams
Incorporated Areas
ve
County
Lake / Water Bodies
650
State Road 10
300
Cardinal
Ri
1500
100
1400
200
350
400
500
450
550
700
1400
ee
400
3 Miles
ak
1300
250
1450
2
nk
County Road 180
State Road 231
1600
1050
2350
350
300
500
1125
Ka
United States Highway 421
600
275 State Road 49
50
1000
1125
rd
2100
Major Corridors
e ridg
150
Ba um
sB
250
950
1800
esap Win Old Orc ha
Mill
450
Church
300
125
Daumer
Legend
State Road 8 Kelvyn
1200
600
1100
County Line
550
450
600 150 Smoke
50
150
200
350
350 400
500
475
Rustic Acres
Jeflynn
McKinley
Main
375
575
ER RT PO ER SP A J
550
Roads
575 625
1100
Meridian
100
175
150
225
0 30
Norbeh Oakbrook
Union
Alcin
Unnamed
Circle
1150
Big
P R ER TE RT OR PO
575
1600
1700
Kouts Sewer
Kouts
Dik e
Halleck
L E TE RT OR PO AP LA
S County Road
County Line 675
1175
650
400
400
650
Jefferson
850
y
Randolph
900
1100
Elm
Sta Old
550 500 525 350
195
388 Walnut
Rain
950
Center
2
600
575
600 564
575
450
400
Niles 435
1400
368
State Road 49
150
300
in
1000
1350
150
75
49
325
Elw
1100
United States Highway 30 High
Post
Legion
150
700
125
1200
1st
200
250
1025
1350
Earl Carrie
1200
Blackthorn
Fairoaks
100
8th
Plain
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
500
500
ay 30
900
1000
1400
1050
550
wdale Mea do
400
325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
Highw
Oak Breeze
600
8
0 1/2 1
15th
650
475
400
Northfield 400 Kaper
Ra
100
Rillstone
Reif
1000
1400
County Line
350
325 Rigg
Rigg Montdale
ys
ton
e
Industrial
Sturdy
100
30
States
Nathan
250
450
550
750
1600
1400
1000
500
Sanitary Sewer Service Areas
217th
870
100
United
Acorn
1500
700
400
Valparaiso Sewer
Murvihill
550
700
205th d Gran
1150
575
450
345
325 325
Old Suman 300 Deerfield
Bartz
in Ca
Engle
Dove Mayfield
Greenwich
Smoke
Valparaiso Lakes Area Conservancy District (Valparaiso)
150
100
350
1st
Martin
mse
United States Highway 421
600 500
425
375
Brummitt
Brummitt
250
ek
Littler
200 200
Pioneer Harvest State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass
Silhavy
Shaker
State Road 49
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et Ca
age
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Hearthstone
Heavilin
te R oad
m
mm it
Bru
Arbutus Redbud Gra ha
dy
Cre
nd
425
300
275
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Miami
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
Sears Linden Franklin
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Thornapple Mau mee
ge
150
2 ad Ro te Sta 275 300
540 State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
200
425
r
Harrison
Harrison
Tremont
150
70
Meridian
50
Jade
50
dsor Win
Old Oak
Sherwood
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Meagher
Coolwood
Hayes Leonard
Un Bogata
Skyline
Sylvan Braemar
Kincraig
150
100
Calumet
E 31 m p ra
Slalom
125
Pri va te
175
Shatz
Lismore
150 od le
wo
Webbs
id 325
Deerpath
Sa
Olivia
50
Laurel Creek
5th 11th
50
Alpine
75
125
200 250
Kristen
Tower
Prentis Froberg s
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
350
Lakepark
325 325
Br
350
375
Devon
Carmand
Windy Oak
250
Lake Eliza Conservancy District
Corbly
Ra
United States Highway 6
Alida
860
1200
ne
400
150
450
Walte
United States Highway 231
nta
50
650
Hebron Sewer 1014
Fro
Meadow Glen
400
Fairlane
Warrrick
Carmo
Waverly
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
kin Ra n
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
100 Jane
Bernie
McCool
McCool Mc Cool
375
ley Pix
500
York
Timber
Springwood
Allegheny
675
50
Elgin
Crocker
Austin
Olympia
Robin 475
550 550 Lourdes
450
y Valle den
Hid
700
PORTER
Mineral Springs
Lions
Babcock
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
Delta
450
June
475
650
625 600
1 64 656
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675
e's al Te 725
695
Roy Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
LAKE County Line
Union
State Road 149
Carmen
500 500
550
675
700
County Line
Erie
sta gu Au Kingsway
Randolph
Montgomery
Montgomery
on
ils
Randolph
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson State Road 249
Crisman
Samuelson
Edith
Airport
Teresa
Destiny
Willowcreek
5th 3rd 1st
750 725
750
687
Vigo
Ontario
Pike Park Pike
Randolph
Knox
Grand
W
Grand
2
r
300
300
1700
Sto
500
600
125
200
Ida
Hancock
150
Willis
Swanson Walsh
Woodbine
Irving Eleanor
Monnier
Bender Fern
Oakwood Worthington
712
625
Parke
West Mill
White Tail
State Road 51
Grand
Oakhill
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
Swanson Iris
Bryant
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Joann Blake Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Edgewood
Union
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby Union
Hobart
Ash
Lisa
Wells
Warren
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Warrick
Morgan
Route 51
Hobart
Lake Park
Ash
Ash Ellendale
County Line
Ripley
Ripley
Morgan Orange
Lake Henry
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Floyd
Ash
County Line
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Cass
Dekalb
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
er Riv Decatur
Virginia
Medlee
Floyd
Clay Benton
Benton Decatur
nd
ord
Norcross
Gibson
r
ge
Sa
Floyd
Am be
George
Redbow
la
Nature Works Conservancy District
670
231
500
Westville
2
gton Arlin
th
Comf
Martinal Domke
Main
y2
Hw
1100
or
Ash
M
375
Jefferson Main
700
Evans
Bowman
Penna Hill
ad
Ro
Cou lter
Oak
Harmel
od
City View
Otis
500
Line nty Cou
525
100
700 725
865
197 Th
ning Gree
90 wo
Axe
Elkhart
0
Lake
n
Laporte Union Lin
tate
te Sta
Beechnut
400
475
173rd
Clay
30
Rodgers
Opal
600
250 State Road 2
350
ry
S Old
dre
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
Brown
ko
700
600
Vale Park
Valparaiso
South
500
Bates Alyea Sigler South
189th
Kelleewood le Map
Alice Chandana
350
500
Hebron
2
nd
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Lake Eliza Shorewood Utilities
p
Ph
650
800
Kraus
Factory West
Hic
St An
600
Linda
Isla
Smith
450
31
165th
et Calum
2
550
167th
6
200
Damon Run Conservancy District (Portage) 300
Fox Chase Farms Utilities
Jonquill
Wesly
36
375
y2
157th
w
Division
Shasta
600
wa
Vie
150
350
600
State Road 2
ntrae
nd
Burlington Beach Robin
Park
650
200
Windmill
830
725
Johnson
ra
400
tate
igh
900
700
st
125
950
I-90
950
er nd Ma
w C re
sa
1100
1000
I-80
Division
Snyder
1050
Meska
49
450
dS
sH
ney
Gre enin g
I-80
I-80
rry Barbe
e We
G
Ore
k atatuc Musc
Goodview
illi
142nd
Windemere
Stoneridge
Gateway
950
St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
Diamond
Balla
Estates
Southfield
State Road 2
Horn
Chesterton Sewer
112
310
350
re
go Far
Fairview
250
Reve
1050
638 63 2
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
rd
Southport
e
Stony Run
ite
lop
Unknown
Un
Woodland
275
137th
145th
ys
Shore
129th
141st
nn
Lake
h
129th
Forest View Laurel
100
Meadowood
138
213
e
Rustic
shor
Lake
Twin Lakes Utilities
Rol
75
198
Loganberry
123rd
w
70
Su
ow
124t
pe
yslo
nn Su
Park
Division
do Mea ling
580
ad
Me
7th Miami
121st
50
Larwick
10 112th
113th
117th
38
400
Calaveras
Westgate
eld
106th 109th
14
26
Lagura
Tr
Ransom
Road 375
ffo
1160
United States Highway 6
Warren
sale
Muirfi
hill
101st
400 County
Hack
Leanna
mer
50
Joliet
30
200
1174
Paul
50
Burdick
1200
811
Fleetwood
Kin
Cli
Sum
105th 106th h 107t
153rd
100
50
Gerald
104
th
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
th
99th
101st 102nd
500
Kimrich
ford
91st
94th
Tremont
ex W
Pheasant Hill
Kilarney
Aspe
United States Highway 30
89th
97th
130
Robbie
1225
s
645
Tanglewood
Galway
t
Merrillville Falling Waters Conservancy District 95th 96
149
130
400
Jolie
Jo al 1100
100
50
125
1275
1250
1200
ss la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
Ridgeway
550
365
154
93rd
oad
wood
Illinois
l
ial
200
1325
1300
1325
250
Indian Boundary Conservancy District (Chesterton) 1400
1350
Trateba
Alta
625
Glen
State
Garnet
Mill
86th
85th
550
Michae
ANALYSIS 300
1500
4
I-9
775
Meridian Road
5
oln
oln
et
Arbor
Colon
1500
1550
I-94
Park
Indiana Bowser
Eaglewood
375
Hill
81st
83rd
tuck
te R
Linc
Linc
Cattail Mallard
37
b
81st
Haven
350
75th
Old
s
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
Nan
Sta
450
Indiana Lincoln
Sta
Jackson 1400
66
Stonegate
850
Midway
600
ne
Dalke
875
Pin ewoo d
Jo
61st
Brown Wabash
Windridge
Hale
13
Indian Boundary
0
y2
wa
igh
sH
te
d
ite
Un
20
ram p2 5A Saemann
Warren
Fox Point tree
Crab
H tes Sta
1500
Chesterton
Park
Sauk
tail
Norris
try Clu
rd
Jodi
900
Robbins
Holmes
Coun
73
h
ort Ainsw
Squirrel Creek
Lighthouse
y
alb
Dek
70th
Rushingwater
Oxbow
Libert
er
Riv
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
1000
Bruce
Prescott
White Oaks Conservancy District (Hobart) n
Marietta
Veterans
625
Lake
Unio
Coronado
Pin
Sunrise
9th
10th
Hobart
16th
Zurich Lamar
Lute
Arbors
ry
Luther
ep
De
61st
700
Canterbury
Coral
sid
il Tra
Elizabeth Ravenwood
Baldwin
w
9th
Fraser Rush
Ne
10th
5th 6th
la
ne
Du
Wessex
mo
Me
irie
Pra
High Jackson Tulip
Lill ian
5th7th
10th
Boulder
North 38th
Hickey Division Home
nt Fro
8th
Rush
Ash 2nd
7th
13th
Ruta
dge
3rd 4th
37th
Rand
Quail
Wyandot
Bend
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
Tulip
Birch
nd
e
Ela ine Central Bush
Michigami
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
South Haven Sewers
36th
Old Ri
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Jose
ph
Eugene
1050
is
Hobart
23 B
ranp
Lenburg
264
River
Garfield
35th
Evergreen Sand
Vienna
nc
31st
Bell
Tech
Industrial
Portage
Park
12
Hjelm
Broadway
Porter Laura
Leslie
lane
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
Portage
Houston
Sienna
rter
Old Po
Echo
ol Liverpo
igan Mich 23rd
Lake Station
Parke
28th
bey Dom
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
20
Pine
Fra
21st
20th
Eagle Old Porter
South
Fitz
m
Cle
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
ram
Duffer
I-80
23rd I-80 25th
24th
I-94
Plaza
18th
I-80
20th 21st
0 I-8 Donna
0 I-8
we Beam
x
rt
on
Carls
Ho
Esse
ba
South
Indigo
Ho
port
ach
geco
Sta
Boo
North Boo
s am Ad
Melton
9th 9th
6th
Porter
Lawson
Burns Harbor
am Daniel Burh
t
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
Wahl
5th
I-90
Un
Oak Ridge
United State
ay 12
Highw
tes ited Sta
Hemlock
Portage Sewer I-90
15th
15th
Diana
tami Tr
Pottowa
5th Miller 5th
6th
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Shell
10th
12th 13th
Maple
Parke
3rd
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Ash Ash
Birch
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
te quet Mar Forest
Dunes Fores
Cardinal
Shore Turret
Juniper Forest Fir
Dune Acres
Ship
ited Un
Miami
Lake Michigan
W es t
Hill
Summitt
2 y1 wa igh
Bote Roskin
Main
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
41
ANALYSIS
Development and Market Summary Part of the analysis process of the Porter County Corridor Plan included the study of market, economic and development dynamics and trends for all of Porter County. This provided a baseline of economic information that assisted in creating tangible economic development goals and recommendations for the Corridor Plan. The analysis looked at three core markets; (1) Residential Development Trends, which tracked population growth for incorporated vs. unincorporated parts of the county, housing starts, and expected future demand for housing; (2) Retail Development Opportunities, which examined retail demand and its likely impacts on planned and future retail development on county corridors; and (3) Economic Development Opportunities, which studied employment indicators and other indicators of the local economy to determine which industry sectors would be most relevant to unincorporated Porter County, and how county corridors could play a role in fostering those industries. The development and market summary contained in this report provides an overview of the market analysis conducted during the planning process for the corridor plan. A summary of strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats are provided along with the market analysis findings.
SWOT Analysis Strengths • Consistent population growth • Net employment growth • More growth than neighboring counties • Increasing employment diversification • High household incomes / wage growth
Opportunities • Continued economic diversification • Sustained population and economic growth • High demand for retail goods and services • Strategizing for ideal development patterns • Tourism development • Establishment of high levels of quality of life within all tiers (rural, suburban, urban) Threats • Growing divides between resident segments (urban vs. rural, commuter vs. local) • Increasing land consumption due to residential demand • Decline of Chicago CSA regional economy • Declining agricultural assets • Loss of rural character • Development infringement on environmentally sensitive areas • Growing burden on local school systems • Aesthetically unpleasing development • Strip-center / corridor commercial development
Findings Population Growth / Residential Development • Porter County has grown at a fast pace over the last two decades. The County’s growth rate was nearly double that of the State of Indiana between 1990 and 2006. Out of the 51,000 net population growth that Lake, Porter and LaPorte coun-
Weaknesses • Historic reliance upon small number of industries • Large employment losses in high paying industries, such as manufacturing • Strong ties to regional economic engine located out of state (Chicago) • Tourism not well-integrated into county • Growth is occurring fastest in unincorporated areas
42
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Geographic Area Indiana
Population Estimates 2007
2000
6,345,289 6,091,735
Estimated Estimated Change in Change from Population 2000-2007 253,554
4.2%
Lake County
492,104
484,511
7,593
1.6%
Porter County
160,578
147,166
13,412
9.1%
LaPorte County
109,787
110,162
-375
-0.3%
Jasper County
32,275
30,183
2,092
6.9%
Starke County
23,542
23,523
19
0.1%
Newton County
14,014
14,544
-530
-3.6%
Pulaski County
13,778
13,740
38
0.3%
2007 Population Estimate (US Census)
ties experienced since 1990, 60% was in Porter County. • According to US Census estimates, Porter County’s population has increased by at least 13,000 since 2000, nearly double the increase of Lake County’s population. Porter County ranks 7th in the State of Indiana for population growth since 2000. The top five counties are all suburban Indianapolis counties. • Most of the county’s population growth has been from domestic migration, i.e. people moving into the county from other locations • While urbanized townships of Portage (Portage), Westchester (Chesterton) and Center (Valparaiso) have added the largest numbers of population, the highest percentage growth has been in the southeastern portion of the county. Largely rural Washington, Morgan and Pleasant townships experienced growth rates of 19-23% between 2001 and 2006. • Porter County is part of a growth “crescent” emanating from Chicago. While the City of Chicago and first-tier suburbs have saw negative to limited growth between 2001 and 2006, townships in Illinois and Indiana that were 35-45 miles from the “Loop” consistently saw population growth of 2,000 – 3,000+ people. • 72% of housing units built in the county since 2000 were Single Family homes. In unincorporated areas of the county, this number is 94%.
PART 2: ANALYSIS
• If the county matches is annual growth rate (1.16%) over the next 20 years, it will have a population between 195,000 and 202,000 people. Unincorporated Porter County could reach a population of 89,000 to 97,000, a growth rate of 1,000 people per year. • Based on these population projections, it is estimated that by 2017 there will be demand for 10,400 more housing units within the county. For the unincorporated area of the county, there will be a demand for 4,900 units – mostly single family homes.
Economic Development • Over the last 10 years, Porter County has gained 6,000 jobs in private employment. This is despite major losses in manufacturing employment totaling over 2,000 jobs. • Both Lake and LaPorte counties lost jobs over the same period of time. • The Health Care sector is one of the fastest growing areas in the county. Almost 1,000 wage and salary jobs were added to the county between 2001 and 2006. This was largely due to nonhospital related employment, such as practitioner offices, outpatient care centers, diagnostic laboratories and home health care services. • The new county hospital, and the proposed relocation of the Valparaiso city hospital, could bring dramatic employment, activity and land use changes to the areas around their locations. • Though the county’s primary manufacturing centers are experiencing employment losses, several specialized manufacturing sectors are seeing small but consistent growth. These include Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing, Machinery Manufacturing, Chemical Manufacturing and Food Manufacturing. • The airport and land surrounding it represents the most likely growth center for economic development initiatives outside of incorporated county areas. Specialized Manufacturing and Logistics could both play major roles.
Adopted 05/19/2009
43
ANALYSIS
Natural Systems Inventory
• Based on 2006 commuting numbers, derived from tax forms by the IRBC, of the 103,805 employable people who live in Porter County, 34,872 commute to a location outside of Porter County for work. Only 14,325 people commute into Porter County from another location, meaning that while Porter County has 103,805 employable workers, only 83,258 or 80.2% of people work within Porter County. The majority of Porter County residents who commute to other locations work in Lake County or Illinois.
Wetlands According to the National Wetlands Inventory there are two main types of wetlands in Porter County including Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands, which generally follow waterways such as the river and prominent stream corridors, and Freshwater Emergent Wetland. The wetlands are scattered throughout Porter County, but when overlaid, generally follow a swath of area from the northeast corner of Porter County in a southwest direction, across Valparaiso, to a point between SR 2 and US 30 on the Porter County line.
Center
950
Alcin
Willow Flynn Plain
B
Circle Haskell
Mill low Bige
564
1025
1100
S County Road
United States Highway 30 High
Post
Main Illinois
575
Kaper
450
County Line
1st
Legion
435
Niles
400
Earl Carrie
1200
1050
675 550
150
1350
1050
1400
500
368
1175
650 525
350
400
400
1600
575
195
388 Walnut
1100
Meridian
County Line
550
1800 1050
150
150
650
McKinley
Daumer
450
State Road 8
State Highway 8
1150
Kelvyn
Mill
Jeflynn
Kouts
Jefferson
850
300
125
200
350
County Highway 1185
150
Fairoaks
8
Church
50
Smoke
700
Main
375
Rustic Acres
450
600
100
175
250
225
0
750
575
1700
550
Rillstone 700
30
Ross
2100
50
400
State Road 49
um Ba
150
575
600
275
idg
250
950
1025
1000
1050
1000
2200
1050
325
ER RT PO ER SP JA
United States Highway 421
1100
e
350
400
475
1800
1125 1125
2350
350
300
500
ey
1050
500
900
s Br
Norbeh Oakbrook
1050
1100 Elm
1150
E TE RT OR PO AP LA L
P R ER TE RT OR PO
600
400 400
325
way 30
150
State Road 49
150 100
300
550
650
1000
625
2400
County Line
200
500
550
1200
ee
Riv
Cardinal
1500
1400 1200
1400
County Road 1450
County Road 1350
550
1100
Road 1425
500
County
County Road 1350
400
1400
300
1400
250
1450
County Road 180
Or ch ard
200
500
450
550
1350
600
700
1400
350
1300
ak
sap
100
Wine Old
400
State Road 231
3 Miles
nk
er
350
2
1400
Ka
1600
County Road 600
United States Highway 231
Halleck
Unnamed
550
Sundew Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
2
600
ad Ro State
Old
575
Northfield
325
Deerfield Rigg Rigg
Montdale
e ston
Laurelwood Pinehurst
30
s High
Oak Breeze
600
Reif
Union
900
County Line
475 le wda 500
500
300 Bartz in Ca
Engle
Dove Mayfield
150
100
49
Dike
950
1150
575
650 350
Old Suman
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass
Shaker
Silhavy
State Road 49
4th
Agape
Sturdy
Industrial
United State
Nathan
75
300 350
450
550
Corbly
Randolph 1000
1200
1100
United States Highway 421
600 500
425
450
345
325
325
400
200 150
70
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
e Oak Grove Ca lum et
Valley Villag
Valparaiso
Franklin
Greenwich
Hearthstone
100
Smoke
100
Rain
8th
1000
150
Murvihill
Ray
Slalom
Meridian Campbell
sor
Sears Linden
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Co Line
425
300 275
Teale
Veden Harrison
Cre d
San
375
Brummitt
it
Brummitt
Carmody
mm
Arbutus Redbud Grah am
ek
150
Bru
Meado
Jane
50
Thornapple Mau mee
Heavilin
Kincraig
d2 Roa te Sta
275
200
870
in
Warrrick
250
6th
5th
Olivia
E 31 p m ra
50 100
Alpine
75
125 125
e
ivat Pr
175
Shatz
Lismore
Jade
50 Wind
Prentiss Froberg
Old Oak
150
Meagher
Coolwood
Hayes Leonard
Un Bogata
d woo le Brid
Skyline
Webbs
Sylvan
325
540 State Highway 2 State Road 2
Fir Poplar
325
Elw
Harrison
Littler
25
Miami
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Hadenfelt
Waverly
Main
100
Mineral Springs
11th
50
Laurel Creek
Ran
Tremont
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
County Road 150
kin
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
150
50
Elgin
200
State Road 149
250
Kristen
Lakepark
325 325
350
Devon Carmand
Braemar
375
Deerpath
Timber
450
Windy Oak
Sherwood
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol 350
Mc Cool 375
y
500
Pixle
York 550 Lourdes
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675 695
Springwood
Allegheny
675
Bernie
McCool
Lisa
Delta
450
June
500
500
Olympia Robin
475 475
550
600 1 64
687
656
700 725 700
1st
125
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
15th
700
500
100
1014
tage
425
450
Walter
Randolph
Mineral Springs
Lions
Babcock
Salt Creek
Oakhill
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
Edith
Airport
Woodbine
550
5th 3rd 1st
675 650
725
625 White Tail
750 Vigo
County Line
's Tee Royal Valley
Happy Valley Brandywine
County Line
LAKE
PORTER
County Line
Union
Tower
Carmen
Irving Eleanor
Monnier
Teresa
McCool
712
625 County Line
Union
West Mill Erie
Hid
den
Pike
Ontario
us ta Aug
Randolph
Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery
Crocker
Swanson Iris
Willis
Austin
Marine
State Road 249
Crisman
Ryan
Clam
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Bryant Bender Fern
Destiny
Willowcreek
Lapine
Swanson Walsh
Union Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby
Parke
Park Pike
Knox
Fron
250
400
Identified Wetlands High Density of Wetlands 1400
Alida
400
200
250
Martin
Ra
United States Highway 6
Blackthorn
Norcross
Montgomery
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson
Wells
Warren
Warrick
County Line
Rabbit
Edgewood
Joann Blake Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Oakwood
Route 51
Hobart
Water
Lincoln
Worthington
Morgan
Ripley
Union Vermillion
Morgan Orange
Kelly Ohio
Hobart
750
Howard
Grand
Tippecanoe
Ripley
Hamilton
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Dekalb
Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Guyer
Lake Park
Ash
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Ash Ellendale
Ash
Riv er
Decatur
Virginia
Medlee
Ash
State Road 51
Floyd
Grand
Clay Benton
r
Benton
ge
Decatur
Sa
Fairview
Gibson
400
150
Smith
Fairlane
ms
George
r
125
670
0 1/2 1
1000
1500
1100
nd
ford
350
1600
1400
Oak
2
be
300
100
700
Bates Alyea Sigler South
Ash
Redbow
la
50
200
500
725
500
500
600
Arlin
th
Meadow Glen
Phi
205th
217th
e
Am
Acorn
Grand
Hw
Westville
2
gton
or
Com
Domke
ty Lin
M
375
Jefferson Main
Main
700
300
Bowman
Penna Hill
Coun
od
State
r
y2
860
Evans
Harmel
wo
Axe
Grand
ning
90 Lin
Martinal
350
400
Old ad e Ro
Beechnut
Stat
525
1700
ne
Otis
Gree
en
Floyd
et
Asp
Elkhart
Calum
Opal
South City View
700
600
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
Laporte Union
ry
Coulte
dre
1200
Sto
ko
500
Division
Ida
Hancock
cis
Larwick
on
ils
W
Grand
0
Lake
an
Southport
l
ld
Muirfie
merhil
2
500
231 197 Th
Hic
St An
600
Vale Park
200
250 State Road 2
300
475
173rd
Clay
30
Rodgers
Tremont
Cardinal
Fr
Calumet
e dg Ri st Cre re
650
Linda
Kelleewood ple Ma
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
Ore Factory West
200
Windmill
830
112
450
865
2
r
de
Wesly
Alice Chandana
36
650
189th
I-90
950
700
Valparaiso
ae
375
Hebron
State Road 2
Kraus
Park
tuck Muscata
125
1050
950
725
nd
llip
1
800
g
900
600
Isla
400
23
165th
1100
nin
Jonquill
Burlington Beach Robin
Snyder
1000
I-80 Man
150
550
167th
w
Andover
Ha Sheffield Roane rriso n Ravine
Galway
Horn
hw
ay
400
Calaveras
Vie
St Clair Worchester Spectacle
Road 375
600
157th
Gree
Windemere
I-80
I-80
638 632
Diamond
Division
ere
Johnson nd
Goodview
350
600
Hig
49
G
ra
Ransom
50
Fargo
450
St
ates
l Rev
United States Highway 6
Southfield
State Road 2
Pau
Barberry
Shasta
Estates
310
142nd
Uni
ted
250
350
Stony Run
145th
Woodland
213
275
137th
141st
e slop
129th
Forest View Laurel
100
Ballantr
Meadowood
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
Unknown
129th
75
ny
Rustic
124th
adow
70
Sun
Su
Park ore Shore Lakesh Lake
121st
e
lop
nnys
w
112th
117th
50
Lagura
Division
1275
1250
1160
1050
w sa Cre st Wee
100
50
Burdick
1200
1174
Meska
Warren
sale
400
County
Hackney
g Me
Rollin
Tr
Fleetwood
550
Westgate
1325
125
1225
Stoneridge
950
200
1350
811
645
Tanglewood
Kin
500
Joliet
30
200
Leanna
50
14
26
580
do
Mea
h Miami
7t 109th
113th
Kilarney
Gateway
Ridgeway
Cliff ord
Sum
106th
Robbie
Kimrich
Scarbo rough Amhur st Wessex Sho re woo d
Drive Drive
38
Leslie
149
130
100
50
Gerald
105th 106th 107th
Duffer
ford
101st
al
1100
s as on Spy Nels Snead Ryder
250
1400
1300
1325
1200
gl
300
1500
Tratebas
Alta
625
130
th
99th 101st 102nd
Jo
1500
4
I-9
775
Meridian Road
od
ex W
Pheasant Hill
94th
95th 96
t
Garnet
United States Highway 30
154
97th
cke
ad
91st
104th
d
550
Illinois
89th
93rd
153rd
Nantu
State
Merrillville
10
44
86th
85th
6
Cattail Mallard
365
Joliet
Windridge
Arbor
Michael
Colonial
20 1550
I-94
66
Indiana Bowser
Eaglewood
5
Mill
83rd
ewoo
400
coln
n
Indiana Lincoln
Sta
Jackson 1400
Park
Indian Boundary
Brown Wabash
Fox Point btree
Hale
13
ram p 25 A Saemann
ay ighw sH
te
d
te Uni
20
Stonegate
Sauk
te Ro
Lin
Lincol
Michigami
Cra
United States Highway 6
Midway
375
81st
1500
Chesterton
Park
State
Un
Warren
Broadway
Porter Laura
850
750 Lahonda
Sta
Hill 350
Old
Lighthouse
600
s
450
Dalke
37
rd
Jodi
875
Pin
ne
75th
81st
Marietta
Veterans
Jo
61st
Haven
1050
900
ail
Norris
Club
73
h Ainswort
Rushingwater Squirrel Creek
Robbins
Holmes
Country
b
Dekal
70th
Lute
Elizabeth
Ravenwood
Prescott
Pint
Park
Eugene
1000
Bruce
Glenwo
r
Rive
Bracken er Eld
Zurich Lamar
625
Union
Liberty
ep
16th
62nd
Lenburg
Elain e Central Bush
de
lsi Trai
Oxbow
9th
10th
Hobart
Lake
61st
Wyandot
Coronado
Arbors
ory
Mem
Tech
Vine
Port Cove
Industrial
Portage
Vienna
Jose
ph
Baldwin
n
5th 6th
5th7th 10th
700
Canterbury
Coral
Tulip
Birch
d
lan
ne
Du
Wessex
Sunrise
13th
Lillia
on
Fr
8th
9th
Luther
10th
w
7th
ie
Prair
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home t
Lark
Lakeview Boulder
North 38th
Fraser Rush
Ash 2nd
Ne
3rd 4th
37th Rand
Quail
Bell
23 B
ranp
Sienna
ter
Old Por
B
p 22
ram
264
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st Old Ridg e
Rush
36th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Canary
Portage
20
Berg D
p 22
ram
Pine
ited
12
Hjelm
Mulberry
Bend
Garfield
35th
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
Hobart
South
Evergreen Sand
Lundy
How
Essex
ne
Riverla
bey
Dom n
Michiga 23rd
Lake Station
Porter e Beam
Boo
North Boo
iew Valleyv Potomac Liberty
Houston
Fitz
Clem
Plaza
20th
21st
Carlson Eagle Old Porter
Dunes Forest
Lawson
Burns Harbor
Echo
28th
Liverpool
0 I-8 Donna 0 I-8 18th
I-80
I-94
Hill
art
20th 21st
Parke
I-80 25th
Likely Growth Areas “Likely growth areas” were examined for each market segment as they related to county corridors. Residential Impact Areas represent areas that are expected to experience high levels of growth, and representative corridors where that residential growth could impact land uses adjacent to the corridors, as well as increased traffic flow. The retail impact areas represent the most likely corridors in unincorporated areas to experience retail development. Future residential growth, available land and county traffic patterns were all used to identify these areas. Finally, the Likely Growth Areas describe the areas most likely to generate or support future job growth or economic trade, such as the airport and new hospital on SR 6. The location of the Likely Growth Areas are illustrated on Development Suitability Map on page 57, the Water Service Areas Map on page 40 and the Sanitary Sewer Service areas on page 41.
East
Sho
I-90
I-90
I-80 23rd
24th
geco
Sta
t
Oak Six Box Woodlandn Oak Hill Stephe
Highway 12
Daniel Burham
s
Hob
United States
249 State Road Sheperd Ameriplex
Indigo
Melton
9th 9th
rt Southpo
ach
Wahl
6th
15th
15th
Oak Ridge
Shell
12th 13th
6th
ay 12
Highw
States
United
Marine
5th
am
Miller
Diana
Tr
Pottowatami
5th Miller 5th
Ad
6th
7th Miller 10th
Maple
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Hemlock Parke
6th
h Ash
As
Birch
3rd
De
• Retail and other commercial uses are likely to locate along Route 6 and Route 49, arterial routes that will eventually connect the three major county hospitals.
ette Marqu Forest
Juniper Forest Fir
Daley
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
s Hi
W es
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
Ruta
• Retail development has finally begun to catch up with the county’s fast pace of growth. There is estimated to be demand for between 650,000 and 1.2 million square feet of additional retail within the county. New development in Chesterton and Valparaiso is expected to meet much of this demand.
Lake Michigan
y 12
wa
gh
Bote Roskin
Beach
Summitt
Miami
Retail Growth / Development • Porter County has a significant amount of retail “leakage” in that a lot of the demand for retail goods from county residents is being met in areas outside of the county.
Porter County Corridor Plan
650
State Road 10
ANALYSIS
Tree Cover / Forests
Slopes
Tree cover within the study areas has been identified on the Corridor Existing Land Use map (page 19). Tree Cover/Forests include dense tree stands, and also wooded residential areas where there is minimal disturbance to established wooded areas. Homes are sporadically located within these woods and, where they can be identified, have been excluded. Tree Cover/Forests as shown on the Existing Corridor Land Use Map excludes fence rows and individually planted trees.
The overall elevation differential within the county is approximately 200 feet, with the highest elevation existing in a swath across the midsection of the County as shown on the Porter County Topography map, page 45. The most varied terrain within the study area lies in the vicinity of Meridian Road and SR 49 north of Valparaiso. Slopes with grades of 15-20% or steeper and natural features such as riparian areas and lakes are included in the Natural Systems layer shown on both the Development Suitability map (page 57) and the Corridor Characteristics map (page 23). Development on these slopes may be more difficult and may require grading and the placement of cut and fill.
The most heavily wooded areas exist along Meridian Road, SR 49 north of Valparaiso, and eastern US 6. Therefore these areas could be considered as priorities for tree preservation or sustainable forestry (see Sustainable Forestry profile, page 52).
County Line
Unnamed
850
Alcin
Unnamed
1100
Willow Flynn Plain
900
Holmesville
Center
Elm
B
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
Circle
ad
2
600
1050
550
Sundew
dale dow Mea 500
te Ro Sta Old
500
575
Haskell
Mill
1150 600
Bige
low
400
564
Main Illinois
County Line
450
Niles
900
1025
1100
S County Road
575
Kaper
400 400
1050
675
1050
PORTER
LAPORTE
550 500
1450
368
1175
650
525
1550
350
1600
575
1100 County Line
550
450
550
600
1850
1050
150
850
Shebel
1150
575
650
475
400
Northfield
325
Rigg
Rigg Montdale 325
State Road 49
150
195
950
United States Highway 421
500
425
450
325
350
Old Suman 300 Deerfield
e ston
Laurelwood Pinehurst
150 75 Meridian
150
Rolling Meadows
600
425
275
Teale
325
345
Veden
Harrison
Ca
in
Engle
Dove Mayfield
150
100 Smoke
Co Line
300
375
Brummitt
mit um Brummitt
Carmody
Br
Arbutus Redbud Gra ham
ek
Cre d
200
150
Pioneer Harvest State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass
Shaker
Silhavy
Bartz
4th
Agape
Sturdy
Industrial
Ray
Hearthstone
Heavilin
State Road 49
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Franklin
e Oak Grove Ca lum et
Farmdale
Valparaiso
Valley Villag Greenwich
sor Wind
Sears Linden
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Milton Elmhurst Weston
200
70
Meridian
50
Campbell
50
Jade
Prentiss Froberg
Old Oak
150
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Hayes Leonard
Thornapple Mau mee 100
100
175 250
County Highway 1185
150
Lacrosse
State Highway 8
1150
300
450
State Road 8 Kelvyn
Mill
Main
125
Church
50
Smoke
225 200
350 Rustic Acres
1250
1500
1800
Ross
2300
Millers
1125
1050
350
2350 2400 1200
Toto Toto County Line
500
200
Ka
ak
ee
400
Riv
er
500
1200
1400
550
1100
Road 1425
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
500
County
County Road 1450
400
1400
1400
County Road 600
Cardinal
3 Miles
650
State Road 10
300
1400
2
250
0 1/2 1
100
1500
1450
County Road 180
400
ard
200
ch
350
Or
350
1300
nk
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated Porter County as a non-attainment area for 8-hour Ozone and PM2.5. Non-attainment areas are regions within the country where the concentration of one or more criteria pollutants exceeds the level set as the federal air quality standards. NIRPC has produced plans that illustrate the current progress towards, and the ultimate achievement of, attainment for 1-hour Ozone by 2010. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has also set goals toward attainment for the Porter County / Lake County / Chicago area within a State Implementation Plan. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) provides grant money annually to finance, in whole or in part, projects and activities that result in improved air quality for nonattainment areas. This funding is distributed through
900
1600
sap
450
2200
325
300
500
550
700
875
400
Ba
State Road 49
600
275
idg um
s Br
250
50
1000
1050
1125
State Road 231
500
1400
United States Highway 421
1100 e
350
400
475
150
1000
550
Halleck
900
1400
600
950
Bailey
1400
400
McKinley
Dike Randolph
1000
1100
1350
1700
1050
125
1200
Wanatah
1300
150
400
1800
Porter County Topography
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Post
500
Kouts
1025
ER RT PO ER SP JA
1350
1st Legion
435
Alpine
Slalom
125
te
iva
Pr
Shatz
175
Lismore
d woo le Brid
Skyline
Webbs
Sylvan
Braemar
Kincraig
d2 oa ate R St 275 300 350
30 0
375
575
300
Fairoaks
950
575 625
Oak Breeze
650
Daumer
ey
8th
Earl Carrie United States Highway 30 High
2100
500
United States Highway 231
250
8th
5th
Olivia
150
San
100
E 31 p m ra
50 100 Jane
75
125
200
State Road 149
250
Kristen
Lakepark
325 325
350 325
450
540
450
Norbeh Oakbrook
Littler
25
Miami
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Hadenfelt
Waverly
Main 6th
14th 12th 10th 8th
11th
50
Laurel Creek
Mineral Springs
Tremont
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
kin Ran
Waverly
County Road 150
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
50
Crocker
Elgin
150
Bernie
McCool
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
McCool Mc Cool
375
y Pixle
375
Devon Carmand
Deerpath
Timber
Sherwood
Edith
Airport
Woodbine
Lisa
Delta
450
June
500
500
Olympia Robin
475 475
550
500 York
550 Lourdes
600
675
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
Springwood
Allegheny
675
Windy Oak
700 State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar Harrison
Union Warrrick
30
1200
100
388 Walnut
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
100
1014
Highway
Rain
Randolph
Mineral Springs
Lions
Babcock
Salt Creek
Oakhill
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
Austin
Swanson Iris
Willis
Destiny
600
1 64
656
687 700 695
Royal 725
Valley
Happy Valley Brandywine
Hid
County Line
LAKE
PORTER
County Line
Union Montgomery
Tower
Carmen
Irving Eleanor
Monnier
Teresa
Bender Fern
Swanson Walsh
625
550
5th 3rd 1st
675 650
725
625 White Tail
750 County Line
's Tee
Erie
ta us Aug
Randolph
Kingsway
Randolph
den
Pike
Ontario
Park Pike
Knox Montgomery
Grand
States
in
Grand
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
Boundary
Sun Loo p George Nelson
State Road 249
Marine
Ryan
Crisman
Clam
Bryant
712
750 West Mill
Vigo
Grand
350
Wells
Warren
Warrick
County Line
County Line
Union
Hobart
Parke
State Road 51
Willowcreek
Lapine
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Joann Blake Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Edgewood
Shelby
Wayne
Hillcrest
Worthington
Morgan
Ripley
Route 51
Hobart
Union
Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Oakwood
Union Vermillion
Morgan Orange
Floyd
Rabbit
Tippecanoe
Howard
Grand
Lake Park
Water
Guyer
Ripley
Hamilton
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Dekalb
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa Ash
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Ash Ellendale
Lasalle
er
Ash
Riv
Virginia
Ash
Medlee
Decatur State
Floyd Clay
Benton
State
Benton Decatur
Gibson
Elkhart
Floyd
Hancock
30
United
Nathan
900
580’ elevation 15th
George
1050
100
700
8
1000
Demotte
Air Quality
1000
150
49
Elw
Walter
750
Reif
Wine Old
1000
1400
1400
1100
Norcross
325
Southern corridors, including SR 2 south of CR 350S and east of Valparaiso, SR 49 south of Valparaiso, SR 8, and eastern US 30 have expansive scenic views due to the flat terrain and low density development. The views are of cultivated land, compact tree stands or fencerows, and rural residential settings.
870
Rillstone
700
1600
1500
Oak
200
Murvihill
550
670
Porter County Contours 870’ elevation
217th
Ash
tage
Acorn
Grand
700
400
600
700
Martin
e
Fron
250
425
650
Corbly
United States Highway 6
Alida
800
400
Blackthorn
400
550
ty Lin
r
200
450
Ida
on
ils
W
ne
Otis
be
150
350
1st
Coun
er
Sag
Fairview
Stony Run
Sto
2
Am
1200
205th
600
125
500
ms Ra
nd
50
Phi
Joliet
500
500
gton
Redbow
la
Meadow Glen
250
Jefferson Main
Main
Westville
2
300
100
200
400 Coulte r
te Hw
Sta
Arlin
th
ford
Domke
350 375
700
300
1700
197 Th
ning
or
ad
Ro
Beechnut
One of the benefits of rolling topography is the view it affords. Short-range and narrow views exist along Meridian Road and near the US 231 and SR 49 Kankakee River crossings. See the Corridor Characteristics map (page 23) for the locations of some of these viewsheds.
860
Evans
Harmel
Axe
M
475
231
525
Vale Park
Com
36
e Stat
600
250 State Road 2
350
y2
Old
dre
Bowman
Penna Hill
ry
500
150
Fairlane
2
Gree
90
od
400
173rd
Clay
t
en
wo
Martinal
llip
865
0
Lake
Calume
Asp
Kelleewood ple Ma
Laporte Union Lin
ko
700
600
600
Linda
Wesly
Alice Chandana
City View
Hic
St An
112
450
Bates Alyea Sigler South
Rodgers
Tremont
Opal
725
650
125
200
300 Windmill
830
700
nd
Goodview
350
500
Hebron
900
Jonquill
Isla
Shasta
375
725
30
Miami
Cardinal
cis
an
Unknown
2
950
r
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
South
Factory West
200
950
de
Man
Division
600
189th
w
125
1050
Fargo
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
tuck
1100
g
Meska
Valparaiso
Park
Muscata
nin
Snyder
1000
st
Burlington Beach Robin
ae
Estates
550
800
Vie
Kraus
Ore
Ballantr
650
165th
Fr
Southport
Larwick
ld
Shore
State Road 2
23
167th
nd
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravine
Calaveras
Gree
Windemere
I-80
Johnson
G ra
Division
ere
I-80 I-90
I-80
638 632
Andover
Ransom
Road 375
Horn
l Rev
w C re
sa
Smith
1
State Road 2
100
Tr
50
1160
United States Highway 6
Wee
50
125 1275 1250
Barberry
49
100
Burdick
1200 1174
Pau
200
1325
1225
Stoneridge
950
450
142nd
157th
Kilarney
Gateway
Southfield
600 Hig hw ay
County
1325
1200
s as gl on Spy Nels Snead Ryder
1400
1350
Tratebas
Diamond
Galway
l
213
250
St
ates
Arbor
Michael
Colonial
250
1300
1050
St Clair Worchester Spectacle
400
Muirfie
merhil
Leanna
e
Lake
ted
Lagura
Meadowood Woodland
310
350
Uni
400
Hackney
adow g Me Rollin Forest View Laurel 75
275
137th
145th
26
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
129th
141st
50
slop
ore
129th
Rustic
124th
Lakesh
117th
121st
1100
Warren
rd
Joliet
200
Division
70
ny Sun
Winfield
Park
Windridge
645
Fleetwood
sale
500
Westgate
50
14
580
w do
113th
e
lop
nnys
Su
Indiana Bowser
Jo al
Ridgeway
Tanglewood
Kin
Cliffo
Sum
50
38
Mea
h Miami
7t
10 112th
Fox Point
775
550
Kimrich
Scarbo rough Amhur st Wessex Sho re woo Drive d Drive
100
Gerald
106th 109th
Robbie
130
ford
105th 106th 107th
Leslie
ex W
104th
Duffer
te Ro
Garnet
Mill
86th
101st
Essex
Sta
th
99th
153rd
Pheasant Hill
94th
95th 96
97th
30
United States Highway 30
154
101st 102nd
wood
Illinois
91st
93rd
149
550
130
State
89th
Merrillville
t
365
Joliet
Indiana Lincoln
300
1500
4
I-9
I-94
66
13
Indian Boundary
Brown Wabash
1500
1550
Jackson 1400
811
625
5
coln
Lincoln
Michigami
20
ay
ighw
sH
te
Sta
d
te Uni
Park
A Saemann
Warren
Alta
Meridian Road
cke
Nantu
Hale
p 25
Eaglewood
375
Hill
81st
85th
d
400
Lin
Old
81st
Cattail Mallard
ewoo
20
Stonegate
6
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
ad
450
350
1500
ram
tree
850
Midway
ail
Norris
Dalke 900
600
Pint
Jo
Haven
State
Un
Chesterton
Park
Crab
Sauk
Pin
s
75th
83rd
Veterans
Jodi
875
37
h Ainswort
Rushingwater Squirrel Creek
Robbins
Lighthouse
Prescott
61st
try Club
rd
Elizabeth Ravenwood
Marietta
Holmes
Coun
73
Zurich Lamar
ne
Liberty
alb
Dek
70th
1050
ited
12
Hjelm
Broadway
Porter Laura
Eugene
1000
Bruce
Glen
e
r
Rive
Bracken er Eld
62nd
Wyandot
Coronado
625
Lak
ep
De
Union
16th
9th
10th
Hobart 61st
700
Canterbury
Tech
Lenburg
Elain e Central Bush
e
sid
Trail
Oxbow
10th
Luther
9th
Mem
Wessex
Coral
Sunrise
5th 6th ory
lan
ne
Du
Lute
Arbors
n
w Ne
10th
13th
Lillia
5th7th
8th
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home
t on
Fr
ie
Prair
Tulip
Birch
Baldwin
Ash 2nd
7th
Rand
Quail Ruta
3rd 4th
Boulder
North 38th
Fraser Rush
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st Old Ridg e
37th
Lark
d
Sienna
264
36th
Bell
Lakeview
ter
Old Por
Industrial
Portage
Vienna
Jose
ph
20
Pine
Mulberry
Bend
32nd 33rd 31st 34th Rush
36th
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
Hobart
23 B
ranp
Berg Vine D p 22 B ram p 22 Port Cove ram Park
North Boo
iew Potomac Liberty
Canary
Portage
e Beam
Boo
Valleyv
South
Evergreen Sand
Lundy
How
Lawson
Burns Harbor
Echo
ne
Riverla
Garfield
bey
Dom
n
Michiga 23rd
Houston
Fitz
Clem
Plaza
20th
21st
Parke
28th
Liverpool
New Chicago 35th
0 I-8 Donna 0 I-8 18th
I-80
I-94
Carlson Eagle Old Porter
Hill
art
20th 21st
Lake Station
I-80 25th
Sou
Dunes Forest
Oak Six Box Woodlandn Stephe
Oak Hill
Porter
Highway 12
Daniel Burham
s
Hob
I-90
I-90
I-80 23rd
24th
United States
249 State Road Sheperd Ameriplex
Indigo
Melton
ach
geco
Sta
thport
Wahl
6th
15th
15th
ay 12
Highw
States
United
Marine
5th
9th 9th
Diana
Oak Ridge
am
12th 13th
6th
Ogden Dunes
Tr
Pottowatami
Shell
10th
Maple
Hemlock
5th Miller 5th
Ad
Miller
7th
Miller
Gary
Parke
6th
6th
h Ash
As
Birch
3rd
Oak Locust Ha rold
ette Marqu Forest
Juniper Forest Fir
Daley
Pine Oak Oak
t
Calumet
East e dg Ri st Cre re
Sho
Shore Turret
Pine
y 12
wa
s Hi
W es
Dune Acres
Ship
gh
Bote Roskin
Beach
Summitt
Lake Michigan
Viewsheds
Adopted 05/19/2009
45
ANALYSIS
NIRPC who evaluates and prioritizes applications for funding. Programs for reducing Ozone emissions in nonattainment areas include traffic signal re-timing and/ or synchronization, roundabouts, carpooling, ridesharing, public transportation and of course, bicycling and walking. In addition, basic land use planning principles could be implemented to manage the locations of trip-generating development (large residential subdivisions, schools, tourist destinations, commercial centers, etc.) in order to reduce the number of or length of vehicular trips within the County, thereby reducing the vehicle emission contribution within the non-attainment area.
Wellheads There are several wellheads located throughout Porter County that lie within the corridor study areas. Various communities draw water from these wells including Valparaiso, Kouts, and Hebron. These wellheads should be protected in a designated area from any types of development that could potentially cause water contamination. Refer to Porter County’s Wellhead Protection Overlay District Map for the locations of these wellheads.
Water Resources More than a dozen creeks, lakes and tributaries feed into the Lake Michigan watershed providing areas of sensitive riparian and wetland habitat and recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing, and bird watching in much of the northern sections of the county.
UDO Watershed Overlay District The Porter County Unified Development Ordinance has a Watershed Overlay District that applies to several creeks, tributaries, and other waterways within the county. They are prioritized to determine the size of riparian buffers and waterway setbacks. Several of these waterways intersect the study corridors and and proposed development should comply.
Salt Creek Watershed The Salt Creek Watershed is a large watershed in northern Porter County. The watershed includes Salt Creek, as well as several smaller tributaries.
46
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
In June 2008, the Salt Creek Watershed Management Plan was adopted. The plan includes physical descriptions of the watershed, water quality analysis, goals and objectives, and implementation recommendations. The focus of the plan is the protection of the watershed. Some of the plan’s activities include: • increasing the use of and education about best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater filtration • reducing agricultural and urban polluted runoff • restoring wetlands • educating the public about watershed protection • education for septic system owners on the potential hazards of septic system leakage • reduction of e-coli and nutrient levels • encouraging more volunteers to take part in watershed management • prevention of pollution within and protection of the watershed • promoting low impact development (LID) • improving stream banks and riparian areas • creating alternatives to the use of road salt during winter conditions The plan also identifies Critical, Priority, and Immediate Management Areas. They are shown on the map. Critical Management Areas Critical Management Areas (Red Outline) are those that need treatment for restoration, or to improve existing poor water quality. These areas exist: • along US 6 between SR 149 and just east of SR 49 • several areas along US 30 • along SR 49, from south of US 6 to I-80, and near/south of Valparaiso Priority Management Areas Priority Management Areas (Yellow Outline) need treatment to protect relatively good water quality in light of increasing development pressures. These areas exist: • Along SR 149 between SR 130 and US 6 • along US 30 west of Valparaiso • along SR 130 west of Valparaiso
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Immediate Management Areas This category consists of all areas within the watershed that are not considered Critical or Priority Management Areas. This portion of the watershed will be managed with a focus on pollution prevention for stormwater runoff. This will be implemented as part of a Coastal Non-point Pollution Control Program.
the supply of high-quality farmland is limited, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes that responsible levels of government, as well as individuals, should encourage and facilitate the wise use of our Nation’s prime farmland, defined as land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is available for these uses. It could be cultivated land, pastureland, forestland, or other land, but it is not urban or built-up land or water areas. More detailed information about the criteria for prime farmland is available at the local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. • In some areas, land that does not meet the criteria for prime or unique farmland is considered to be Prime Farmland (Statewide Importance) for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. Generally, this land includes areas of soils that nearly meet the requirements for Prime Farmland (National Importance) and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Some areas may produce as high a yield as Prime Farmland (National Importance) if conditions are favorable.
Salt Creek watershed critical and priority areas Source: Salt Creek Watershed Management Plan
Agricultural Land
• Areas that are not identified as being Prime Farmland of national or statewide importance may be Farmland of Local Importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops. This farmland is identified by the appropriate local agencies. Farmland of Local Importance may include tracts of land that have been designated for agriculture by local ordinance. These areas are not shown on the Prime Agricultural Areas map.
Data found in the Prime Agricultural Areas map was gathered from the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) online database in Summer 2008. Prime agricultural land is divided into three categories: Prime Farmland (National Importance), Prime Farmland (Statewide Importance), and Farmland of Local Importance. According to the NRCS: • Prime Farmland (National Importance) is of major importance in meeting the Nation’s short- and long-range needs for food and fiber. Because
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
47
Co Line
375
Center
1050
1100
Plain
950
Circle
B
Elm
oad
2
600
te R Sta Old 575
Haskell
elo
w
Mil
l
1150
Big
P R ER TE RT OR PO
L E TE RT OR PO AP LA
600 564
450
1025
1100
County Line
1st
United States Highway 30 High
Post
435
Legion
Main Illinois
575
S County Road
Earl Carrie
1200
1050
675
550
150
1350
1050
1400
500
1175
650
525 350
388 Walnut
400
400
1600
575
195
368
State Road 49
300
1100
Meridian
County Line
550
450
600
100
175
250
1800 1050
150
150
700
State Road 8
Prime Farmland (National Importance) State Highway 8
1150
Kelvyn
Ross
Mill
450
300
Kouts
Daumer
Main
125
McKinley
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
Legend
Church
150
200
350
County Highway 1185
Smoke
50
225
30 0
375
575
1700
550
650
Fairoaks
8
Prime Farmland (Statewide Importance) 2100
600
Major Corridors
1000
2200
1050
Proposed Roads
325
1800
Abandoned Rail
1125
1125
2350
Active Rail
350
300
500
y
1050
ER RT PO ER SP JA
1000
1050
United States Highway 421
1100
575
1025
Roads
400
State Road 49
50
150
Ba um
sB
250
950
275
ridg e
350 400
475
500
900
1000
625
2400
County Line
200
500
550
1200
Cardinal
Incorporated Areas
ve
r
County Line
1400 1200
1400
County Road 1450 5
400
County Road 1350
Project Study Area 550
Road 142
County Road 1350
500
County
250
1400
350
Streams
1100
Ri
Lake / Water Bodies
650
State Road 10
300
400
1400
ee
1500
1450
350
450
550
1350
600
700
1400
500
1400
rd
ak
1300
County Road 180
3 Miles
esap Win Old Orc ha
nk
100
State Road 231
1600
200
2
Ka
County Road 600
United States Highway 231
Halleck
Willow Flynn
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
500
500 Kaper
400
400
Niles 100
49
e
900
Unnamed
Sundew
550
ale dowd Mea
Northfield
400 Rigg
Rigg
ton
e
Montdale
ys
325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
ay 30
150
150
100
350 450
750
Rustic Acres
Union
Alcin
475
400 300
325 Deerfield
Bartz
in
Engle
Ca Industrial
Ra
Highw
Oak Breeze
75
325
Dik
950
County Line
650 350
Old Suman
200
Pioneer Harvest State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass
State Road 49
Silhavy
Shaker
Dove Mayfield
Sturdy 150
Nathan
Rillstone
700
Reif
Randolph 1000
1100
1200
1150
575
450 345
325
150
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et Ca
age
Valley Vill Greenwich
Hearthstone
Smoke
30
States
600
125
1000
48
United States Highway 421
600
500
425
275
425
300
Brummitt
Arbutus Redbud Gra ham Brummitt Bru mm it
250
ek
Littler
200
ra 70
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Valparaiso
Sears Linden Franklin
Napoleon Washington Lytle
100
2 ad Ro te Sta
275 300
540 Norbeh Oakbrook
State Road 2
325
Miami
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Carmo dy
Cre
nd
Calumet
E 31 m p
150
100
Laurel Creek
50
Slalom Farmdale
Campbell
dsor Win
Old Oak
Sherwood
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Meagher
Heavilin
Braemar
Kincraig
Meridian
50 50
Jade Sylvan
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Thornapple Mau mee
id 325
Deerpath
Sa
5th 11th
50 75
125
Shatz 150
Webbs
Skyline
Hayes Leonard
le
wo
od
325
Br 350
Devon
Carmand
Alpine
200
te
va Pri
Lismore
Prentis Froberg s
Lakepark
Kristen
Tower
325
175
250
350
Mc Cool 375
ley
375
Pix
500 York
450
Windy Oak
700 State Highway 2
County Line
Fir Poplar
100
United
500
650
Martin
0 1/2 1
8th
1000
Rain
Harrison
Murvihill
550
100
1014
ge
in
Warrrick
nta
250
Elw
Randolph
Harrison
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Waverly
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
Ra nk in
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
50
Elgin
Crocker
25th
Babcock
Pearson
Mineral Springs 100 Jane
125
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
State Road 149
McCool Olympia
Robin 550 550 Lourdes
Timber
Springwood
675
Allegheny
695 725
y Valle den
Hid
Bernie
McCool June
500
475 475
625 600
1 64 656
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
e's al Te Roy Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
PORTER
LAKE Union
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
Edith
Delta
450
500 550
650
725
687 700
675
County Line
Erie sta gu
Au Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery
Montgomery
1st
r Walte
Grand
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson State Road 249
Crisman
Carmen
Teresa
Airport
Woodbine
Irving Eleanor
Monnier Destiny
Willowcreek
625
5th 3rd 1st
750 750
Vigo
Ontario
Pike Park Pike
Randolph
Knox
Grand
Hancock
150
Willis
Austin
Swanson Iris
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Bryant Bender Fern
Oakwood
Swanson Walsh
Worthington
County Line
675
Parke
West Mill
White Tail
State Road 51 Grand
Oakhill
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
712
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby Union
Hobart
Ash
Lisa
Wells
Warren
Edgewood
Joann Blake Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Union
Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Route 51
Hobart
Lake Park
Ash
Ash Ellendale
Warrick
Morgan
Ripley Morgan Orange
Lake Henry
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Floyd Ash
County Line
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Cass
Dekalb
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
er Riv Decatur
Virginia
Medlee
Floyd Clay Benton
Benton Decatur
Gibson
Fro
425
450
550
Fairlane
15th
870
150
Blackthorn
400
Ida
on
ils
W
1400
1400
George
p
Prime Agricultural Land
217th
1100
200
200
350
1600
1500
700
400
Acorn
d
Oak
400
150
250
Ph
205th
Gran
Line
r
125
670
mse
Ash
nty Cou
nd
ord
Norcross
Floyd
g
Redbow
la
Meadow Glen
Smith
Corbly
Ra
United States Highway 6
Alida
Arlin
th
1200
ne
Otis
nin Gree
r
ge
Stony Run
Elkhart
Lake
2
be
300
300
1700
Sto
600
gton
or
50
200
700 725
231 197 Th
Am
Laporte
Comf
Martinal Domke
500
500
475
173rd
Clay
0 30
M
Main
y2
Hw
860
Evans
Bowman
Penna Hill
375
Jefferson Main
700
100
500
Bates Alyea Sigler South
189th
Rodgers
od
lter
Westville
2
Cascade
Sa
e
2
500
865
2
600
525
Vale Park
Division
650
167th
600
ad
Ro
te Sta
500
150
450
Hebron
State Road 2
wo
City View
te
Sta
Beechnut
400
Old
dre
Chicago
Laporte Union
Goodview
550
800
Alice Chandana
36
375
1
165th
Kelleewood le Map
Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Lincolnway Wood Chicago
Lin
700
St An
600
Linda
Cedar
South
650
Wesly
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
Factory West
Hic ko ry
350
Cou
Jonquill
Isla nd
400
23
157th
725
Valparaiso
Fairview
580
lop
Unknown ay
w
Axe
Southport
ntrae
Vie
Shasta
600 hw
830
200
250 State Road 2
300
Windmill
700
st
Burlington Beach Robin
Park
Ore
k atatuc Musc
nd
Kraus
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
Balla
Estates
350
600 Hig
er
nd
Ma
Johnson
ra
450
Sta
tes
G
illi
142nd
900
s
w C re
sa
Southfield
State Road 2
I-90
112
310
350
Un
ite d
ys
Shore
145th
250
275
137th
Forest View Laurel
Woodland
213
dow
Mea
100
Meadowood
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
129th
141st
nn
Lake
h
pe
e
Rustic
124t
129th
shor
Lake
117th 121st
yslo
R
70
Su
ow
ad
Me
7th Miami
nn Su
Park
Division g ollin
75
400
200
950
I-80
950
Meska
49
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638 63 2
Diamond
125
1050
go
St Clair Worchester Spectacle Andover
Ransom
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Horn
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Lagura
Larwick
10 112th
113th
50
14
26
sale
Calaveras
Westgate
eld
106th 109th
38
Kin
Muirfi
hill
50
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
153rd
mer
101st
400 County
Hack
Leanna
99th
104
th
100
50
th
101st 102nd
500
Joliet
30
g
1000
Windemere
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Snyder
1100
enin
Far
Warren
ord
Sum
91st
94th
Fleetwood
Cli ff
200
Gre
I-80
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Harmel
ford
89th
93rd
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re
I-80
90
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Pheasant Hill
Tr
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1160
Reve
Stoneridge
Gateway
50
Burdick
1200
United States Highway 6
645
Tanglewood
Galway
United States Highway 30
1225
1050
950
100
50
125 1275
1174
Paul
200
1325
1250
1200
ss la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
Ridgeway
550
Kimrich
Garnet
Mill
Jolie t
Merrillville
97th
130
Robbie
375
154
95th 96
149
130
1400
1350
811
625
5
oln
86th
85th
oad
250
1300
1325
l
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Illinois
4 I-9
Jackson 1400
Michae
Colon ial
300
1500
775
Meridian Road
365
Linc
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et
State
te R
Hill
81st
83rd
550
1500
1550
I-94
Trateba
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Sta
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37
b
81st
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et
400 Haven
350
Old
d
tuck
Nan
Sta
450
Cattail Mallard
wood
Jo
61st
75th
ewoo
Prescott
600
es
6
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
it
Hale
Stonegate
850
Midway
tail
Norris try Clu
rd
875
Pin
Pin
Dalke
Sauk
Holmes
Coun
alb
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73
orth
Ainsw
Robbins
Lighthouse
y
er
Riv
70th
Veterans
n
Libert
n
n Bracke er Eld
Marietta
Jodi
Glen
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62nd
Coronado
625
16th
Calum
9th
10th
Hobart
Lake
ep
De
61st
Squirrel Creek
Oxbow
ry
mo
Me
Sunrise
9th
10th
700
Canterbury
Coral
Zurich Lamar
Rushingwater
ed
Un
Park
Indiana Bowser
Fox Point Jo al tree Crab 1100 Windridge
Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service - Web Soil Survey
66
n Aspe
5th 6th
5th7th
8th
Wessex
Indiana Lincoln
0
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igh
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20
Tremont
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10th
13th
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Fro
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1000
Bruce
900
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High Jackson Tulip Fraser Rush
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3rd 4th
Ruta
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North 38th
Rand
Quail
Boulder
Lute
Baldwin
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
37th
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12
ay
13
Indian Boundary
Central Bush
Elizabeth Ravenwood
Bend
36th
Tulip
Birch
d lan
Wyandot
1500
Chesterton
Park
hw
Hig
tes
Sta
ram p2 5A Saemann
Brown Wabash
Broadway
Porter Laura
Eugene
1050
Michigami
Warren
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
36th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Ela
Park
12
Hjelm Cardinal
Hobart
ranp
Lenburg
ine
Vienna
is nc
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Garfield
35th
Evergreen Sand
Tech Industrial
Portage
Jose ph
Sienna
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Old Po
Leslie
31st
Bell
23 B
ram
264
ne erla
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
Portage
Houston
20
Echo
ol
Liverpo
igan Mich 23rd
Lake Station
Parke
28th
20th
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Valle
Canary
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
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Fra
21st
Plaza bey Dom
South
Fitz
m
Cle
we Beam
Duffer
I-80
20th 21st
I-80
23rd I-80 25th
24th
0 I-8 Donna 0 I-8 18th
Ho
x Esse
rt
on Carls Eagle Old Porter
Indigo
ba
South
I-94
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port
ach geco Sta
Porter
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Burns Harbor am
Daniel Burh
t Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
Ad
6th
Melton
9th 9th I-90
I-90
Oak Ridge
United State
ay 12 Highw
States
United
Wahl
5th
15th
15th
Diana
Hemlock
5th Miller 5th
6th
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Tr Pottowatami
Shell
10th 12th 13th
Maple
Parke
3rd
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Ash Ash
Birch
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
te quet Mar Forest
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
t
ited
Un
Miami
Lake Michigan
Juniper Forest Fir
Hill
Summitt
Bote Roskin
Olivia
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
W es
Main
ANALYSIS
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Profile: Agricultural Impacts Agricultural Runoff “In the 2000 National Water Quality Inventory, states reported that agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is the leading source of water quality impacts on surveyed rivers and lakes, the second largest source of impairments to wetlands, and a major contributor to contamination of surveyed estuaries and ground water. NPS pollution, unlike pollution from point sources such as industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources. Polluted runoff is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into watersheds through lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even underground sources of drinking water. Agricultural activities that cause NPS pollution include poorly located or managed animal feeding operations; overgrazing; plowing too often or at the wrong time; and improper, excessive, or poorly timed application of pesticides, irrigation water, and fertilizer.
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Pollutants that result from farming and ranching include sediment, nutrients, pathogens, pesticides, metals, and salts. Impacts from agricultural activities on surface water and ground water can be minimized by using management practices that are adapted to local conditions. Many practices designed to reduce pollution [such as cost-share, technical assistance, and economic incentives to implement NPS pollution management practices] also increase productivity and save farmers and ranchers money in the long run.” -- Protecting Water Quality From Agricultural Runoff (EPA 841F-05-001). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nonpoint Source Control Branch (4503T). Revised March 2005. www. epa.gov/nps
River Friendly Farmers Indiana’s River Friendly Farmer Program issues awards to farmers who, through good production management, help keep Indiana’s rivers, lakes and streams clean. Ways to accomplish this include less than tolerable soil loss, field testing every three years, realistic fertilizer application and yield goals, nitrogen best management practices, fencing livestock to protect sensitive areas, and IDEM approved livestock facilities, among others.
Adopted 05/19/2009
49
ANALYSIS
Profile: Wetlands, Woodlands, and Riparian Corridors What are Wetlands and Riparian Areas? Wetlands are areas inundated or saturated by surface or ground water seasonally or throughout the year. The presence of water at or near the surface is the dominant factor that determines soil characteristics as well as plant and animal communities. Riparian areas are the wooded corridors along rivers and streams. These areas are a complex ecosystem vital to the protection of stream and river water quality and include some of the richest varieties of plants and animals.
Why are These Resources Important? Wetlands Wetlands purify water by filtering and trapping sediment, chemicals, and excess nutrients before water enters other water bodies or groundwater. Wetlands provide habitat for fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife which use these areas to breed, find food, and protect their young. They also reduce flood damages by storing and slowing floodwaters. Wetlands regulate water levels within a watershed. Riparian Corridors Healthy riparian areas are typically composed of large trees, woody understory trees and shrubs, perennials, grasses, and groundcovers. Well-maintained and managed riparian areas are able to influence the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the stream. They can provide food, shelter and natural linkages for a wide variety of plant and animal communities; they can shade and cool streams to enhance aquatic habitats; they can filter sediments
50
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
and pollutants, preventing them from entering the stream or waterway; they can stabilize river banks, reduce bank erosion, and provide flood control. Woodlands Forest lands provide environmental benefits recreation opportunities and at times, possibly sustainable timber production. Woodlands absorb more stormwater than any other vegetated surface, including grass. Farm fields and typical residential lots create three times (3x) more runoff than woodlands, and commercial and industrial developments create eight times (8x) more runoff. Woodlands provide critical habitat for many species of wildlife and studies have shown that trees provide market value to individual properties.
Identifying Wetlands and Riparian Areas The general location of wetland areas may be determined using the U.S. Geological Service’s (USGS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps. The exact boundaries of jurisdictional wetlands can be determined using all three of the following criteria: 1. Water Indicator - The area is inundated or saturated to the surface, by a single, continuous episode, for at least 5% of the growing season in most years. 2. Wetland Vegetation - The presence of plant species that are typically adapted for life in anaerobic (low or no oxygen) soil conditions. 3. Hydric Soils - The presence of soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the root zone.
Who Regulates These Resources? Wetlands along waterways are protected primarily by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), as well as state and
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Profile: Wetlands, Woodlands, and Riparian Corridors local environmental agencies may also regulate wetlands.
zones, listed in sequence from the edge of the stream, are as follows:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Corps, and USFWS have a public policy of “no net loss of wetlands” requiring acre-for-acre replacement of wetlands lost due to development either on-site or within the same watershed.
1. Undisturbed Forest - This zone is adjacent to the stream and is ideally 15 feet in width. Removal of vegetation is not permitted.
In Indiana, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has the authority to regulate riparian areas for water quality purposes. Often the local government represented by the County Surveyor may choose to regulate development. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the USDA, has developed Conservation Standards for Riparian Forest Buffers (Code 391). These standards are site specific and will vary depending on the size of the waterway and floodplain. Most standards address an area ranging from 35 to 150 feet on either side of the stream. The ideal riparian area includes three zones for management in which development should be restricted. These
Stream Bed
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Undisturbed Forest Min. 15’
2. Managed Forest - This zone is ideally 60 feet in width and harvesting of older vegetation is encouraged to support better filtering/removal of nutrients through younger, faster growing vegetation. Grass is not a substitute for the younger, faster growing plants. The runoff over grass is rapid, allowing no time for filtering. 3. Runoff Control - This zone is ideally 20 feet and may be pastured, farmed for hay or mowed for recreational purposes. Pesticides and other chemicals should not be used within these zones in riparian areas. Protecting riparian corridors is key to the implementation, development, and success of Blueways in the county.
Managed Forest Min. 60’
Runoff Control Min. 60’
Adopted 05/19/2009
51
ANALYSIS
Profile: Sustainable Forestry What is Sustainable Forestry?
Valuable, Beautiful Forests--Forever
Forestry is the art and science of caring for a forest to meet the needs of the owners and those of society. Sustainable forestry refers to caring for or managing forests in such a way that they continue to play the desired role and produce desired benefits as long as necessary or possibly indefinitely.
Forest Legacy is a program established by Congress as part of the 1990 Farm Bill. It helps identify and protect environmentally important forest lands that are threatened by conversion to nonforest uses.
Why is Sustainable Forestry Necessary? Wood products manufacturing has historically been important to Indiana’s economy and remains so today. The economies of many Indiana communities are heavily dependent on wood manufacturing, and thus the forests supplying those industries. Outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism are growing industries in Indiana. These emerging industries most often depend on the scenic beauty and the wildlife that forests provide. Indiana forests are also important because of the hunting grounds and wildlife habitats they provide, air filtration, protection of soil, and filtration of stormwater runoff. At the dawn of the 19th century, Indiana had over 20 million acres of forest covering about 87% of the land. The forest proved invaluable in providing home and barn building materials, fences, fuel for cooking and heating, barrels, tools, and machinery, but were nevertheless cleared due to fear of dangerous animals and enemies inhabiting them, and also to make way for cropfields, pastures, roads, businesses, and towns. By 1900 only 8% (1.8 million acres) of Indiana remained covered by remnant forests. In 1921 the Indiana Classified Forest Act set in motion a voluntary program (still active) to conserve and protect hundreds of thousands of acres of private forestland. As a result of this and other programs, by 1950 18% of Indiana was covered in forest and by 2000 the number increase to 20% (4.5 million acres).
52
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Indiana’s Forest Legacy Program identifies environNorthwest Morainal Area mentally important forests and protects them by purchasing the development rights from willing sellers. The owners retain all other rights, including the right to harvest timber and sell or bequest the remaining rights. Once purchased, the development rights are held by the state in perpetuity. Federal funding can be used for up to 75% of the purchase price for the development rights. Six Legacy Areas in Indiana were identified by the Indiana Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee in 1998 including a portion of LaPorte and Porter Counties. Forests of this area represent the diminishing northwest morainal forest type, and provide wildlife habitat, recreation, aesthetic values and community greenspace. An Assessment of Need for the Legacy program was approved by the U.S. Forest Service in December, 1998. The IDNR Division of Forestry is accepting nominations for Forest Legacy parcels within the designated Legacy Areas. http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/6909.htm
Porter County Corridor Plan
ANALYSIS
Profile: Sustainable Forestry Other Alternatives There are several programs in Indiana that can be used to preserve forests while maintaining the benefits of sustainable timber harvesting such as officially registering a forest or wildlife habitat, cost share grants, forest banking, and several others. There are also certification programs available, such as those offered by the Forest Stewardship Council or the Indiana Forest Industry Council, to allow harvesters to sell their products using a logo to identify them as a sustainably harvested product.
Sources: 1. A Landowner’s Guide to Sustainable Forestry in Indiana (Parts 1-8); Purdue Extension Publication; http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr.htm#3 2. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry; http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/6909. htm
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
53
ANALYSIS
Transitional and Stable Corridors
Stable Areas
Porter County corridors and the issues associated with them vary greatly in terms of the pressure for growth and development. The two categories could be described as transitional and stable. This section explores the unique circumstances associated with each category.
Other corridor segments are considered to be stable areas. These segments can be characterized as largely agricultural or undisturbed natural areas including woodlands, wetlands, or park and recreation areas, primarily in the southern sections of Porter County where commercial and industrial development pressure is often low and residential subdivision development pressure is high.
Transitional Areas
Issues associated with these corridor segments include:
Introduction
The Transitional and Stable Corridors map (page 55) shows the location of transitional corridor segments characterized as those areas adjacent to urbanized areas that are continuously developed. The growth is a result of developers seeking greenfields and/or uncorporated land that is easier to permit near city utility service. Transitional areas may be situated at major intersections or other locations with available transportation options. These areas are midway between incorporated areas, allowing strategic placement within the regional market.
• balancing major subdivision development with the rural character • ensuring that farmers are allowed to continue existing agricultural practices • driveway access points due to existing homes/ farmhouses fronting roadways • increase in stormwater runoff • addressing additional traffic and inadequate parking due to infill development in established small towns
Issues associated with transitional areas include: • existing development patterns that are reliant on vehicular access • need to balance development pressure with the desire to protect sensitive natural resources • need to retain community identity where municipal boundaries may be perceptually blurred due to sprawling development patterns • typical residential development being overtaken by commercial development
54
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Porter County Corridor Plan
950
United States Highway 421 1100
1050
Plain
B
Center
Elm
Circle
2 oad
Haskell
elo
w
Mil
l
1150
Big
P R ER TE RT OR PO
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1025
1100
S County Road
Main Illinois
County Line
1050
675 550
1350
1050
1400
500
1175
650 525
400
1600
575
400
1100
Meridian
County Line
550
150
1050
1800
County Highway 1185
Daumer
Main
Church
Legend
State Road 8
450
State Highway 8
Kelvyn
1150
300
125
Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
McKinley
Kouts
Mill
Smoke
50
700
150
200
350 Rustic Acres
450
600
100
175
150
225
30 0
375
575
1700
550
650
Fairoaks
Ross
Transitional Areas 1100
600
1050
Major Corridors
1000
2200
Proposed Roads
1050
325
1800
Abandoned Rail
1125
1125
2350
2400
County Line
200
500
550
1200
County Line
1400 1200
100
1400
County Road 1450
5
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
Project Study Area 550
Road 142
County Road 600
400
200
Cardinal
r
County
350
Streams
Incorporated Areas
ve
1500
1400
Lake / Water Bodies
650
State Road 10
300
550
600
1400
Ri
400
3 Miles
ee
250
2
1450
350
450
1400
500
1400
rd
1300
ak
County Road 180
State Road 231
esap Win Old Orc ha
nk
500
Ka
1600
1050
Active Rail
350
300
500
sey
1100
ER RT PO ER SP JA
Roads
1000
United States Highway 421
1025
400
State Road 49
50
150
Ba um
250
275
sB ridg e
350 400
500
475
950
575 625
Willow Flynn
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
600
te R Sta Old
575 600 564 575
450
435
150
2100
700
Halleck
Post
Legion
350
195
388 Walnut
250
450
Norbeh Oakbrook
Union
United States Highway 30 High
368
State Road 49
150 100
350
300
49
e
900
1st
150
450
300
75
325
Dik
950
Unnamed
Sundew
550
ale
500 500
Kaper
400
100
900
1000
Randolph
1000
1100
Earl Carrie
1200
Oak Breeze
Niles
400
30
500
8
Reif
1350
Alcin
475
dowd Mea Northfield 400
Rigg
Rigg
ton
e
Montdale
ys
325
30
Nathan
Rain
1200
County Line
650 350
Old Suman 300 325
Deerfield
Bartz
Engle
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100
United States Highw ay
Ra
Laurelwood Pinehurst
100
Smoke
275
Murvihill
550
125
8th
1150
575
450 345
325
325
400 200
200
Pioneer Harvest
State Road 49
Club Spyglass
Silhavy
Shaker
Dove Mayfield
Greenwich
Hearthstone
Ro te Sta
Co Line
600 500
425
375
Brummitt
Arbutus Redbud Gra ham Brummitt Bru mm it
250
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Littler
Cre
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4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et Ca
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Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Heavilin
Sturdy
Thornapple Mau mee
State Road 49
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
Sears Linden
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Franklin
150
2 ad
425
300
275
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
Miami
70
Meridian
50 Jade
50
dsor Win Old Oak
Sherwood
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Meagher Coolwood
Hayes Leonard
Un Bogata
Skyline
Sylvan Braemar
Kincraig
d 150
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125
te
va Pri
175
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Lismore
Prentis Froberg s 150
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id 325
Deerpath
150
100
Calumet
E 31 m p ra
200 250
Kristen
Tower
325 325
Br
350
375
Devon Carmand
Alpine
75
125
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
State Road 149
350
Lakepark
Mc Cool 375
ley Pix
500
York
Timber
Sa n
Olivia
50
Laurel Creek
5th
11th
50 100 Jane
Bernie
McCool Olympia Robin
475 475
550 550 Lourdes
Windy Oak
Carmo dy
Waverly
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central Chalamel
Penny Morningside
in Ra
nk
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
50
Elgin
Crocker
Austin
25th
Pearson
Mineral Springs
Lions
Babcock
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
Samuelson
Delta
450
June
550
Springwood
Allegheny
675 State Highway 2
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
ge
in
Harrison
nta
Rillstone
0 1/2 1
15th
1000
600
750
1000
1400
870
150
250
Elw
United States Highway 231
Fro
425
100
1014
nd
Blackthorn
540
PORTER
700
1st
700
1600
1400
700
400
200
350
550
Fairlane
Warrrick
200
150
p
r Walte
Randolph
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson State Road 249
Crisman
Carmen
500
500
625 5th 3rd 1st
650
625 600
1 64
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675
y Valle den
Hid
Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
LAKE County Line
Union Montgomery
656
687
700
e's 725
695
Roy
al Te
Erie
sta gu Au Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery
Grand
Hancock
400
125
200
Ida
on
ils
W
Grand
Edith
Airport
Teresa
Destiny
Willowcreek
McCool
712
750 725
750 Vigo
County Line
Pike
Ontario
Park Pike
Randolph
Knox
Gibson
Redbow
la
Transitional and Stable Corridors
217th
United States Highway 6
Alida
Arlin
th
50
Norcross
Floyd
150
Willis
Swanson Walsh
Woodbine
Irving Eleanor
Monnier
Bender Fern
Oakwood
Worthington
County Line
675
Parke
West Mill
White Tail
State Road 51 Grand
Oakhill
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
Swanson Iris
Bryant
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Joann Blake
Union
Hillcrest
Wayne
Shelby
Union
Hobart
Ash
Lisa
Wells
Warren
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion
Edgewood
Route 51
Hobart Kelly Ohio
Lincoln
Water
Warrick
Morgan
Ripley Morgan Orange
Grand Jay Laporte Marion
Lake Park
Ash Ash Ellendale
Ash
County Line
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Dekalb
Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
er Riv Decatur
Virginia
Medlee
Floyd
Clay Benton
r
ge
Benton
2
Acorn
1500
600
860
100
650
205th d
George
Am be r
1200
Gran
500
500
300
300
1700
ne
2
Westville
gton
or
ord
400
Martin
m
375
Jefferson Main
Main
700
Evans
Meadow Glen
450
Corbly
Ra
lter
1100
Vale Park
Comf Martinal Domke
a
Ash
M
Ro
Oak
600
525
Bowman
Penna Hill
Line
od
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wo
City View
670
231 Sto
Otis
ning
Laporte Union Lin
36
700
725
865
197 Th
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600
te
wy
te H
Sta
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500
Harmel
Brown
Sta
Beechnut
400
Old
dre
Cedar Cascade Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Chicago Lincolnway Wood Laporte Chicago
Sa
Decatur
Lake
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Axe
Elkhart
0
Rodgers
90
Kelleewood le Map
Alice Chandana
ory
475
173rd
Clay
30
Miami
nd
Valparaiso
South
500
Bates Alyea Sigler South
189th
Hic k
700
St An
600
Linda Wesly
Burlington Beach Robin
Park
650
250 State Road 2
350
Cou
Jonquill
Isla
250
Ph
500
Hebron
2
830
200
300
Windmill
700
Division
600
State Road 2
tuck
ntrae
650
800
w
400
31
165th
Vie
Smith
550
167th
900
r
de
725
w C re st
638 63 2 Johnson
Kraus
Ore
200
950
I-90
950
sa
Fairview
Larwick
2
450
y2
157th
49
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Andover
Factory West
125
1050
1000
Windemere
I-80
I-80
n Ma
Snyder
1100
Gre enin g
112
350
600
wa
ata Musc
375
tate
igh
re
Meska
450
142nd
Reve
I-80
150
illi
State Road 2
dS
sH
eld
e
Stony Run
ite
lop
Unknown
Un
153rd
ys
Shore
145th
rd
Division
1160
go
d
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
50
Burdick
1200
Far
Goodview
310
350
1225
Stoneridge
Gateway
100
50
125 1275
rry
Southfield
275
137th
141st
nn
Lake
129th
250
1325
1174
Paul
200
1350
1250
Barbe
Shasta
Estates Woodland
213
Loganberry
123rd
100
la yg lson Sp Ne Snea Ryder d
950
G ra n
Diamond
Balla
Meadowood
138
198
e
Rustic
129th
shor
Lake
h
ling Rol Forest View Laurel
70
Su
Su
Park
ney
Lagura
dow Mea
75
400
Road 375
Horn
250
1400
1050
St Clair Worchester Spectacle
Ransom
Calaveras
Westgate
4 I-9
1300
1200
ss
ANALYSIS 300
1500
United States Highway 6
Warren
sale
Muirfi
e
lop nnys
ow
124t
50
400
County
Hack
Division
580
ad
Me
7th Miami
121st
hill
10
112th 113th
117th
38
14
26
Joliet
30
Leanna
101st
106th
109th
50
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
100
50
Fleetwood
ffo
200
1500
s
645
Tanglewood Tr
Kin
Cli
mer
94th
99th
th
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive
th
101st 102nd
500
Kimrich
Sum
91st
93rd
Robbie
0
1550
811
550
Southport
89th
104
130
ford
Pheasant Hill
Merrillville 95th 96
149
130
ial
Ridgeway
Galway
United States Highway 30
154
97th
oad
y2
Trateba
Alta
625
5
t
ex W
86th
85th
te R
wa
1325
l
Colon
Opal
Illinois
igh
775
Meridian Road
375
Jolie
et
State
Garnet
Mill
81st
83rd
550
sH
I-94
Michae
Kilarney
Eaglewood
37
oln
oln
Linc
Cattail Mallard
365
Linc
81st
Nan
Sta
Hill 350
75th
Old
et tuck
400
Haven
6
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
Midway
600
J
450
Jo al 1100
te
Arbor
Stonegate
850 Sauk
tail
61st
b
rd
875
Pin ewoo d
e on
Dalke
900
Robbins
Lighthouse
Pin
Norris try Clu
73
orth
Ainsw
Veterans
Jodi
Prescott
Coun
alb
Dek
70th
Marietta
y
er
Riv
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
Coronado
Holmes
s
Libert
n
Squirrel Creek
wood
Unio
Rushingwater
Glen
16th
Lute
625
Lake
ep
De
61st
Zurich Lamar
Indiana Bowser
Sta
Jackson 1400
Park
Calum
10th
Hobart
Indiana Lincoln
Windridge
Hale
Tremont
9th
Cardinal
ry
mo
Me
Brown Wabash
Fox Point tree
Crab
20
66
Indian Boundary
Warren
ed
it Un
13
n Aspe
10th
1000
Bruce
1500
Chesterton
Park
12
ay
hw
Hig
tes
Sta
ram p2 5A Saemann
Central Bush
Oxbow
8th
9th
Canterbury
Coral
e
is nc Fra
5th7th
700
sid
il Tra
1050
Michigami
Broadway
Porter Laura
Leslie
5th 6th
Wessex
Jos
Elizabeth
Arbors
ian
Luther
10th
13th
Lill
d lan ne
Du
Sunrise
7th
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home nt
Fro
ie
ir Pra
ine
Vienna
Ravenwood
Baldwin
Ash 2nd
w Ne
3rd 4th
Boulder
North 38th
Fraser Rush
dge
Ruta
Old Ri
37th Rand
Quail
Lenburg
Ela
Park
Eugene
Duffer
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
Tulip
Birch
Wyandot
Bend
36th
Tech
Pine
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
35th
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Sienna
rter
Old Po
Industrial
Portage
eph
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
ram
264
Hobart
23 B
ranp
we Beam
x
lane
River
Garfield
Bell
Ho
Esse
Live
Lundy
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
31st
Evergreen Sand
n
iga Mich 23rd
Portage
20
Echo
rpool
bey
yview tomac Po Liberty
Valle
Canary
Houston
Dom
Lake Station
South
Fitz
m
Cle
Plaza
20th
21st
Parke
28th
0 I-8 18th
I-80
20th 21st
I-80 23rd I-80 25th
24th
I-94
0 I-8 Donna
on Carls Eagle Old Porter
Indigo
rt
South
Boo
North Boo
s
ba
port
h coac
ge Sta
Porter
ited
Un
12
Hjelm
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Step
Lawson
Burns Harbor am
Daniel Burh
t
Dunes Fores
Oak Hill
s Highway 12
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
am Ad
Ho
15th
15th
Oak Ridge
6th
Melton
9th 9th
United
United State
hway 12
Wahl
5th
I-90
I-90
Tr
Hig States
Shell
10th 12th 13th
Diana
Hemlock
5th Miller 5th
6th
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Pottowatami
rold
Parke
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Maple
Ha
Ash Ash
Birch
3rd
Pine
Oak Locust
te quet Mar Forest
t
Dune Acres
Ship
Shore Turret
Juniper Forest Fir
Hill
Lake Michigan
Bote Roskin
W es
Main
East ge Rid t s Cre e or Sh
Beach
Summitt
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Adopted 05/19/2009
55
ANALYSIS
Development Suitability Areas The County desires a strong economic base and growth and development are contributing factors. In this section, existing conditions and community input have been synthesized to determine corridor areas considered most suitable for development without compromising the natural beauty and agricultural heritage appreciated by citizens and visitors. Suitable development areas evolved from overlaying likely growth and development areas and areas with constraints.
suitable in this theoretical exercise, but that probably are subject to the most development pressure. Special attention should be paid to lessening the impact to these areas in order to present a cohesive image to the community. All development should be subject to the Arterial Roadway Overlay or Scenic Roadway Overlay District standards included in the Unified Development Ordinance.
Development Suitability Map Symbology
Development constraints posed by topography, watershed concerns, agricultural activity, and other historic, cultural and natural resources that have been identified as needing to conserve, preserve, or protect, coupled with opportunities presented by demographics, market analyses, utility availability and transportation access created areas of least conflict or that are considered most suitable for development.
Likely Growth Areas Areas that are identified as experiencing growth pressures given the current market, but not necessarily taking into consideration zoning or other land use regulations.
Portions of corridors identified as most suitable for development are listed below and identified with a bold outline on the adjacent map:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
US 6 - CR 50W to CR 150W
Major Gateways as identified on the Development Suitability Map are the points where a major corridor with a high traffic count crosses the Porter County border. These are the most used entries into and exits from Porter County.
US 6 - CR 200W to 250W US 6 - SR 149 to 450W SR 130 - CR 300W to CR 350W
Minor Gateways are natural or lesser used gateways into Porter County. They include two points along the Kankakee River and several points of entry where traffic counts crossing the county border were lower than those of Major Gateways, but the entry roads are highly recognizable to Porter County residents.
Natural gateways, while not heavily traveled, are points of great impact on a visitors perception. The River creates a very definite boundary between Jasper County and Porter County.
SR 2 - CR 100E to CR 150E SR 2 - CR 500E to CR 550E Meridian Road – CR 900N to CR 1050N
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Minor Gateways
SR 2 - CR 50W to CR 150W
Development scenarios in Part 3b: Development Scenarios identify other areas not considered most
56
Major Gateways
Porter County Corridor Plan
1100
Unnamed 950
850
Rolling Meadows
Shebel
850
Alcin
900
B
Circle
Haskell
l Mil w elo Big
900
1025
1100 County Line
550
450
Intersection with Recommended Bicycle Route 1800
1050
Daumer
Church
Minor Gateways Proposed Blueways Access Lacrosse At-Grade Railroad Crossing
State Highway 8
Kelvyn
1150
300
450
State Road 8
Mill
Main
125
1850
Major Gateways
County Highway 1185
Smoke
50
150
200
Main Illinois
1050
1050
1175
Many Primary Corridor Access Points 1700
550
600 150
150
225
350
Willow Flynn
1050 1100
650
1600
575
Meridian 100
175
250
0 30 375
Rustic Acres
Kouts Jefferson
850
Jeflynn
Ross
Proposed INDOT Projects
1000
1050
1000
US, SR, and Interstate
1050
325
2300
1125
2350
2400
Abandoned Rail 1050
350
300
Millers
Proposed Roads
1125 500
875
Roads
2200
United States Highway 421
1100 400
State Road 49
50
Base Map
600
Bri
150
Ba um s
250
275
dge
350 400
475
500
950
575
625
Holmesville
Center
1150 S County Road County Line 675
PORTER
LAPORTE
500 525 350
195
1550
Rural (Ag) Character Likely Growth Areas
McKinley
1800
County Line
200
500
550
350
Lake / Water Bodies 400
r
500
Incorporated Areas
County Road 1450
County Road 142 5
400
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
County Line 550
650
State Road 10
900
1400 1200
1400
1100
1500
1400
Toto Toto
Active Rail
Streams
ve
County Road 600
Cardinal
Ri
250
200
1400
ee
300
1450
350
400
rd
ak
500
3 Miles
esap Win Old Orc ha
1300
nk
County Road 180
2
Ka
100
State Road 231
1600
450
550
600
500
1400
700
Halleck
900
Natural Character
400
450
575
Union
1400
1350
1450
1500
Water Service Areas
650
Dik e 950
Sewer Service Areas
1200
Randolph
1000
1400
368
State Road 49
150
100
400
1250
Rain
1100
Elm
2 oad
550
150
300
540
350
388 Walnut
Bailey
Critical Watershed Area for Improvement Priority Watershed Area for Maintainance
1350
in
Demotte
Post
435
150
700
125
1200
1st
Legion
1300
75
300
Earl Carrie
United States Highway 30 High
Natural Systems Wanatah Salt Creek Watershed
500
100
8th
Plain
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
600
te R Sta Old
575 600 564 575
450
400
Niles 100
49
Fairoaks
Development Suitability
PART 2: ANALYSIS
Prime Agricultural Land
1200
Oak Breeze
250
1025
0 1/2 1
15th
Unnamed
Sundew
550
ale 500
500 Kaper
400
325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
ay 30
425
8
1000
1600
1400
1400
County Line
650 475
dowd Mea Northfield
400 Rigg
Rigg
ton
e
Montdale
ys Ra
Highw
2100
ER RT PO ER y SP mse Ra JA
1000
217th
1150
575
450 350
Old Suman 300
325
Deerfield
Bartz
in
Engle
Ca Industrial
Sturdy 150
Smoke
States
900
205th
1500
United States Highway 421
500
425
375
345
325
400
200 200
Pioneer Harvest State Road 49
Kestrel
Club Spyglass
Silhavy
Shaker
Dove Mayfield
Greenwich
Hearthstone
State Road 49
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et Ca
age
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Ro te Sta
Co Line
600
425
300
275
Brummitt
Arbutus Redbud Gra ham Brummitt Bru mm it
325
Miami
150 70
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
Sears Linden Franklin
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Heavilin
100
2 ad
Littler
Cre d
Calumet
E 31 p m ra
Slalom Meridian
50
Jade
50
dsor Win
Old Oak
Sherwood
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Thornapple Mau mee
Sylvan
Braemar
Kincraig
Milton Elmhurst Weston
Lismore
Prentis Froberg s
150 Webbs
325
275
Nathan
30
1050
Development Opportunities
100
Acorn
d
1000
Blackthorn
Elw
Norbeh Oakbrook
State Road 2
Fir Poplar
Murvihill
United
1700
Gran
870
Legend
Rillstone
700
750
r
Harrison
ge
1200
ne
200
600
Reif
Intersection Improvement (2010)
700
860
nta
550
670
Corbly Martin
865
United States Highway 231
7 300
200
650
Fairlane
1014
250
ek
150
100
Laurel Creek
50
Sa n
Olivia
5th 11th
50 75
Shatz
Kristen
Tower
Skyline
id Br 350
Hayes Leonard
le
wo
od
325
Alpine
125
Pri va te
175
250
350
Lakepark
325
125
200
State Road 149
McCool Mc Cool
375
ley
375
Devon
Carmand Deerpath
Timber
450
Windy Oak
700 State Highway 2
County Line
550
700 725
Bates Alyea Sigler South
Warrrick
Teale Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
Carmo dy
Waverly
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
kin Ra n
8th
Waverly
14th 12th 10th 8th
6th
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
50
Elgin
Crocker
25th
Babcock
Pearson
Mineral Springs 100 Jane
Bernie
McCool
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
450
June
Olympia
Robin 475 475
500
Pix
York
Springwood
675
Allegheny
695 725
y Valle
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Samuelson
Edith
Airport
Delta 500 500
550
600
550
600
Lourdes
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675
e's al Te Roy den
Hid
Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
PORTER
LAKE Union
1st
United States Highway 6
Alida
800
150
450
500
700
475
500
Joliet
500
600
125
325
Jefferson Main
Main
S
150
112
400
Walte
Randolph
Mineral Springs
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson State Road 249
Oakhill
Crisman
Carmen
Irving Eleanor
Teresa
Woodbine
550
650
625
1 64
656
687 700
County Line
Erie sta gu
Au Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery
Montgomery
150
Willis
Monnier Destiny 625
5th 3rd 1st
675
725
Vigo
Ontario
Pike Park Pike
Randolph
Knox
Austin
Swanson Iris
Willowcreek
Engle Elmwood Willowdale
Bryant Bender Fern
Oakwood
Swanson Walsh
Worthington
750 750
Grand
Grand
on
ils
W
Grand
Fro
50
350
Ida
Hancock
Tonia
Marine Ryan
Clam
Rabbit
Lapine
Hickory Evelyn May Cooley
Joann Blake
Edgewood
Union
Parke
West Mill
White Tail
State Road 51
Floyd Gibson
ord
Norcross
Floyd
Lisa
Wells
Warren
Tippecanoe
Union Vermillion Union
Hillcrest
Shelby
Wayne County Line
Lincoln
Water
712
Hobart Kelly Ohio
Hobart
Ash
Warrick
Morgan
Ripley Morgan Orange
Route 51
Grand Jay Laporte Marion Lake Park
Ash
Ash Ellendale
Ash
Medlee
Virginia
County Line
Ripley
Howard
Hamilton
Grand
Henry
Green Lake
Fayette
Clay
Floyd
Dekalb
Allan Allen Allen Cass
Lake Henry
Iowa
Guyer
Wabash Guyer Colorado Virginia Wisconsin
Lasalle
Riv er Decatur State Clay Benton
State
r
Benton
ge
Sa
Fairview
Decatur
nd
Meadow Glen
250
George
Redbow
la
Division
200
lter
Westville
2
gton Arlin
th
Road 100
2
1100
or
Ash
Bowman M
Oak
Laporte
Comf
Domke
ad
Ro
350 375
ne
6
Cou
H tate
Cascade
Penna Hill
Martinal
350
r
400
300
300
250 State Road 2 Beechnut
be
Interchange (2011)
Evans
Li nty Cou
od
2
500
New 400 Vale Park
Harmel
South
wo
City View
600
525
200
400
Old
te
Sta
Am
ry
wy
700
dre
Chicago
Laporte Union Lin
Smith
450
231 Sto
Otis
ning
Institute Elm Erie Beech Oak Lincolnway Wood Chicago
Ph
173rd
197 Th
Gree
90
Cedar
Axe
Southport
Elkhart
Lake
Opal
Galway
Larwick
eld
2
500
Hebron
Clay
0
30
et Calum
n Aspe
Valparaiso
400
189th
Rodgers
Tremont
Cardinal
is nc
Fra
Leslie
Wall Vale Park Glendale
Brown
Factory West
Kelleewood le Map
Alice Chandana
ko
Intersection Improvement (2008)
700
600
Wesly nd
Kraus
725
Hic
go Far
St An
600
Burlington Beach Robin
Park
650
Linda
36
650
2
830
Auxillary & Passing Lanes (2008)
125
300 Windmill
Jonquill
Isla
County
375
31
167th
r
6
150
350
y2
800
w
Goodview
550
165th
Vie
450
142nd
157th
st
200
950
I-90 900
Johnson nd
Andover
Ore
5
600
wa
G
Diamond
k
49
125
1050
950
e nd
Meska
Shasta
Estates
g
1000
Windemere
Ma
Snyder
1100
enin
I-80
aw Cre
ra
atatuc
Musc
ntrae
Gre
I-80
I-80
638 63 2
Ha Sheffield Roane rris on Ravin e
rd
Muirfi
hill
Balla
re
rry
es We
Division
1160
Reve
Stoneridge
Gateway
50
Burdick
1200 1174
Paul
Barbe
Southfield
600
State Road 2
5
mer
580
e
153rd
Woodland
State Road 2
tate
igh
ss la lson S Ne Snea Ryder d
950
p illi
dS
sH
M
Forest View Laurel
310
350
Stony Run
ite
lop
Unknown
Un
ys
Shore
145th
250
Lagura
w eado
100
Meadowood
213
275
137th
141st
nn
Lake
129th
ling
Rol
138
198
Loganberry
123rd
26
ney
1225
1200
g py
100
50
125 1275 1250
1050
St Clair Worchester Spectacle
400
30
Horn
1300
1325
200
1325
United States Highway 6
Warren
Ransom
Calaveras
Hack
Division
75
e
Rustic
h
129th
shor
124t
lo
nnys
Su
Park Lake
117th
121st
50
14
Joliet
1400
1350
s
645
Fleetwood
sale
ffo
Westgate
50
70
Su
ow
ad
Me
7th Miami
Winfield
50
38
pe
ial
Ridgeway
Kin
Cli
4
I-9
I-94
Michae l
Kilarney
811
Tanglewood Tr
375
200
Leanna
10 112th
113th
Scar boro ugh Amhu rst Wesse x Sh ore wo od Drive Drive Sum
106th 109th
400
4
100
Gerald
105th 106th h 107t
500
250
Arbor
Colon
300
1500
Trateba
Alta
550
Kimrich
ford
101st
101st 102nd
104
ex W
86th
94th 95th 96 th 99th
th
Pheasant Hill
91st
93rd
Robbie
130
Garnet
Mill
United States Highway 30
89th
97th
oad
1550
Jackson 1400
Park
Indiana Bowser
1500
775
625
wood
Illinois
365
t
Indiana Lincoln
0 y2 wa igh
sH te Sta
d ite Un
66
Chesterton
Meridian Road
149
550
State
154
Merrillville
et
Hale
13
Indian Boundary
Brown Wabash
8
20
Stonegate
1
Eaglewood
37
oln
81st
85th
d
375
Jolie
2
Midway
ewoo
Cattail Mallard
tuck
Nan
te R
Linc
oln
1500
ANALYSIS
12
ay
hw
Hig
tes
Sta
ram p2 5A Saemann
Warren
Fox Point Jo al tree Crab 1100 Windridge
850
United States Highway 6
750 Lahonda
3
Sta
Hill 350
Linc
875
400
Haven
Michigami
Park
Porter Laura
12
Hjelm
Broadway
Sauk
600
Jo
Dalke 900
Robbins
Lighthouse
Pin
130 450
b
81st
83rd
Veterans
Jodi
Prescott
61st
75th Old
Marietta
tail
Norris try Clu
rd
Coronado
Pin
Coun
lb
Deka
73
orth
Ainsw
1000
Bruce
Squirrel Creek
Ravenwood
y
er
Riv
70th
e
Rushingwater
Holmes
s ne
Libert
n
n Bracke er Eld
62nd
sid
Elizabeth
Glen
Unio
il Tra
1050
Pine
d nite
U
Central Bush
Oxbow
16th
Zurich Lamar
Lute
625
Lake
ep
De
61st
9th
10th
Hobart
Jose
Arbors
ry
mo
Me
700
Canterbury
Sunrise
9th
10th
Wessex
Coral
Tulip
Birch
d lan ne Du
Wyandot
Baldwin
5th 6th
5th7th
8th
Luther
10th
13th
Lill ian w
7th
irie Pra
High Jackson Tulip
Hickey Division Home nt
Fro
Ne
3rd 4th
Ash 2nd
Boulder
North 38th
Fraser Rush
dge
Ruta
Old Ri
37th Rand
Quail
Ela
ine
Vienna
ph
Lenburg
Park
Eugene
Industrial
Portage
t
Mulberry
Lark
Lakeview
Rush
36th
38th 39th 40th 40 th 41st
ranp
Sienna
rter
Old Po
Tech
Duffer
Garfield
36th
Evergreen Sand
Bend
32nd 33rd 31st 34th
Bell
Berg Vine D p 22 B p 22 Port Cove ram
ram
x
lane
31st
Hobart
Lundy
23 B
we Beam
264
River
igan Mich 23rd
Portage
20
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Valle
Canary
Houston
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20th
Eagle Old Porter
South
Fitz
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Plaza
25th 26th Lexington 27th 28th 29th 30th
Parke
28th
New Chicago 35th
21st
Lake Station
23rd I-80 25th
24th
I-80
20th 21st
I-80
0 I-8 Donna 0 I-8 18th
on
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Carls
Indigo
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I-94
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port
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Porter
Lawson
Burns Harbor am
Daniel Burh
Dunes Fores
Oak Six Box Woodlandn he Oak Hill Step
Highway 12
Ad
Melton
9th 9th I-90
I-90
Oak Ridge
6th
15th
15th
d 249 State Roa Sheperd Ameriplex Marine
Wahl
5th
United States
ay 12 Highw States United
Diana
Tr
Hemlock
Gary
5th Miller 5th
6th
Ogden Dunes
Pine Oak Oak
Pottowatami
Shell
10th 12th 13th
Maple
Parke
Daley 6th r 6th Mille r 7th Mille
Ash Ash
Birch
3rd
Pine
Oak Locust Ha rold
te quet Mar Forest
Juniper Forest Fir
Dune Acres
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Beach
Adopted 05/19/2009
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ANALYSIS
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Part 3:
Goals & Recommendations
Part 3a
County-Wide Goals “If you build it they will come� - While this referred to a baseball diamond in the field of dreams, it is certainly quite applicable when it comes to roadways. This fact elevates the importance of this Plan as the corridors influence development patterns of the past, present, and future. This Plan addresses the relationship between transportation, land use, and sustainability. The success of achieving a balance of these elements greatly affects our daily lives and will influence the lives of generations to come. These goals and objectives were generated primarily from public workshops and the advisory committee, staff and consultant input. These goals and objectives generally are not corridor specific but applicable for corridors throughout the County. They are organized around four major themes: Economic Development /Opportunity, Safety/Function, Balanced Growth, and Character/Identity. Each goal lists specific objectives which consist of focused actions necessary to achieve each goal.
County-Wide Goals
EO
Encourage Existing and New Economic Opportunities
Goal EO.1 - Support Region-Wide Coordination EO.1.1 Encourage cooperation between the County, cities, and town governments to implement their economic plans and achieve desired development for their communities. Goal EO.2 - Increase Tourism Opportunities EO.2.1 Enable and promote the Indiana Dunes region in becoming a year round attraction. EO.2.2 Support and further recreational opportunities along the Kankakee River recommended in the Greenways and Blueways Plan for canoeing, kayaks, and the creation of river access points. EO.2.3 Support enhancing the economic opportunities of the Port of Indiana by including it as a tourist attraction, enhancing existing public access and fishing, and developing proposals for an observation area or interpretation center. EO.2.4 Capture or entertain through-traffic on the corridors through the preservation of scenic views. EO.2.5 Develop a county-wide wayfinding signage program to direct visitors and residents to prominent destinations.
Goal EO.4 - Support Development Practices that will Encourage Economic Development and Community Investment EO.4.1 Include sustainable development practices in the design for new development to reduce long term costs and impacts. EO.4.2 Blend community and commerce by having people live, work, and shop in the same area (more local than transient) EO.4.3 Investigate opportunities for health care facilities and the secondary support industries and services that accompany health care development. Identify locations that are best suited for this type of regional development. EO.4.4 Provide transit opportunities from existing transit centers to the health services complexes, retail and employment centers. EO.4.5 Encourage the use of fiber optics and similar technology. EO.4.6 Utilize the County’s Redevelopment Commission as a way to revitalize existing, outdated, or incompatible development along study corridors. EO.4.7 Create or form beautification or maintenance associations to provide maintenance of landscaped elements and to ensure adherence to other development or design standards.
Goal EO.3 - Enhance the Quality of Life for Porter County Residents EO.3.1 Promote passive recreation as an economic draw through the development of nonmotorized corridors, paths, greenways, and blueways, per the recommendations in the Ped and Pedal Plan, 2005 and the Greenways and Blueways Plan, 2007. EO.3.2 Support agritourism in rural Porter County including organic farming, truck farming, farm stands, U-pick farms, and wineries. Use the American CountrysideÂŽ Farmers Market in Elkhart, Indiana as a model. EO.3.3 Review land use and zoning standards and revise to encourage a mix of compatible uses in key areas. Examples of pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding signage
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Porter County Corridor Plan
County-Wide Goals
SF
Enhance Corridor Safety and Function
Goal SF.1 - Improve the Safety and Efficiency for Vehicles SF.1.1
SF.1.2 SF.1.3
SF.1.4 SF.1.5 SF.1.6
SF.1.7
Maintain or improve the levels of service of US 6, Meridian Road, SR 49 south of Valparaiso, and SR 2 east of Valparaiso by limiting access, widening right-of-way (ROW), creating grade separations at railroad crossings and traffic calming techniques where appropriate. Explore opportunities for a north-south connector in northwestern Porter County. Implement the standards in the UDO requiring individual tracts along the highways without clearly defined access to tie into side streets or rear access roads as new development occurs in order to preserve the aesthetic benefits provided by the greenbelt. Require shared driveway access to contiguous tracts. Work with INDOT to designate which corridor sections are better developed as rural or urban cross-section. Continue support for the County policy to improve or widen roadways based solely on the safety needs, and not primarily due to traffic congestion. Embrace innovative safety technology by encouraging the use of new technology to enhance safety such as code enforcement, photography, GPS wayfinding, TMS program, and intelligent traffic systems (movement sensors, etc.).
Goal SF.2 - Support Multi-Modal Use and Safety of Corridors SF.2.1
SF.2.2
Incorporate and accommodate pedestrians and cyclists by providing walking paths and bicycle trails that connect residential neighborhoods with schools and parks, especially on Meridian Road and SR 49 north of Valparaiso. Continue to support the proposed DunesKankakee Trail. (Refer to the official study for more information)
PART 3a: Goals & Recommendations - County-Wide Goals
SF.2.3 SF.2.4 SF.2.5
SF.2.6
SF.2.7
Develop a county-wide “Complete Streets� policy and create design standards to be adopted as part of the Porter County UDO. Look for ways to integrate and provide for future motorized multi-modal opportunities (bus or train transit, heavy rail, airport). Provide varied facilities for bike travel. A signed bike route (shared road facility) appeals to a more serious, experience rider, however a multi-use path separated by landscaping and setback a safe distance from the travelway is appropriate for other cyclists and pedestrians. Provide multi-community bus service that links the airport to residential and commercial areas, employment centers, health care facilities and recreation areas, and other inter-community modes of transportation. Work with landowners towards a common goal of providing continuous trail systems.
Illustration of cooperation with local landowners
Goal SF.3 - Support Corridor Improvements that Increase Safety for Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Wildlife SF.3.1
SF.3.2
Implement a Transportation Safety Plan along each of the study corridors. This will provide a proactive approach to improving the safety along the corridors through annual evaluation of reported vehicular crashes. Perform a Safety Analysis of the critical intersections/ segments as identified in the Transportation Safety Plan. The analysis
Adopted 05/19/2009
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County-Wide Goals
SF.3.3
SF.3.4
should evaluate the intersection’s/ segment’s configuration and crash data in order to identify the probable causes of the crashes and to recommend safety improvements. Consider the incorporation of wildlife corridor tunnels or overpasses for improvements to corridors. These land bridges allow wildlife to move freely between natural habitats without the segregation of interstates and highways. Create bold pedestrian or bicycle crossing treatments such as the “Z” crossing, that increases driver, pedestrian, and cyclist awareness. “Z” Crossing Point
Marked Crosswalk
Typical “Z” Crossing pedestrian crossing for point of interest. This type of crossing forces both drivers and pedestrians to remain aware of their surroundings.
DG
Promote Balanced Development and Growth Patterns
Goal DG.1 - Promote Smart Growth Throughout the County DG.1.1 Promote compact growth patterns by encouraging new development adjacent to existing urbanized areas where there are existing or available utilities and infrastructure. DG.1.2 Discourage checkerboard or leapfrog development patterns; focus on forms of development nodes as opposed to strips along corridors. DG.1.3 Coordinate monthly with incorporated jurisdictions to review development proposals.
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Goal DG.2 - Achieve a Balance Between the Built and Natural Environment DG.2.1 Encourage appropriate measures to preserve, enhance, and protect natural resources and habitats. DG.2.2 Ensure new development supports designated greenways and blueways. DG.2.3 Encourage stormwater best management practices (BMPs) such as alternative drainage methods, for new development in order to preserve and enhance the water quality of the County’s waterways. DG.2.4 Work with developers to provide shared stormwater facilities where applicable and beneficial. DG.2.5 Create a county-wide stormwater management board to manage and fund BMPs. DG.2.6 Create guidelines to develop study corridors as “Green Corridors” with BMPs for stormwater filtration, landscape buffers between the corridor and potential adjacent development, and green bridges for wildlife crossings. DG.2.7 When recommending preservation of natural areas include detailed recommendations with regard to funding, ownership, and maintenance, such as “no-mow” policies for certain landscape types. DG.2.8 Promote the preservation and creation of open space networks. DG.2.9 Encourage green (environmentally conscious) building and development techniques. DG.2.10 Promote environmental / water quality awareness by providing identification for each waterway crossing and watershed along roadways and by activities such as stenciling drainage inlets with the message “Drains to Lake Michigan” or “Drains to Kankakee River”. DG.2.11 Work closely and early with INDOT to ensure that all recommendations or improvements to corridors are context sensitive, especially regarding interchanges or other structural improvements to roadways. DG.2.12 Encourage the use of native plants in landscape buffers. Amend the UDO to permit buffers of all native deciduous hardwood species if that is what is indigenous to the
Porter County Corridor Plan
County-Wide Goals
Required Buffer Yard Required Medium-Sized Buffer Yard showing evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs as per Porter County UDO. (Reference Goals: DG.2.3; DG.2.7; DG.2.9)
Section View Canopy Tree
Evergreen Trees
Plan View Low Vegetation Residential Uses
9’-0” (min) Bioswale (optional)
R.O.W.
R.O.W.
Existing Residential Parking for Commercial Use
Canopy Tree
Evergreen Trees
Bioswale
Commercial Uses
Alternative Buffer Yard (Section View) Below and Right: Alternative Medium-Sized Buffer Yard showing native deciduous trees, native evergreens, shrubs, and grasses. (Reference Goals: DG.2.3; DG.2.7; DG.2.9)
Section View Native Evergreen Trees
Canopy Tree
Understory Trees
Low Vegetation
Native Grasses Residential Uses
9’-0” (min) Bioswale (optional)
PART 3a: Goals & Recommendations - County-Wide Goals
R.O.W.
R.O.W.
Existing Residential
Plan View
Parking for Commercial Use
Canopy Tree
Understory Trees
Commercial Uses Bioswale
Adopted 05/19/2009
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County-Wide Goals
area. Require denser spacing and a combination of understory and canopy species to maintain effective screening. Goal DG.3 - Encourage Appropriate Land Use Patterns DG.3.1 Encourage preservation of prime agricultural lands in the county. DG.3.2 Encourage redevelopment of existing urban cores and compact nodes. Consider updating the County Future Land Use Plan to identify areas of preferred development or redevelopment and guide development to these areas. DG.3.3 Create a strategy for the reuse of land such as greyfields and brownfields with potential for hazardous or negative impacts such as abandoned landfills, quarries, etc. DG.3.4 Develop policies and regulations that discourage over-commercialization of corridors. Goal DG.4 - Manage the Interface Between Transportation and Land Use DG.4.1 Focus more intense development patterns near transportation infrastructure. DG.4.2 Encourage transit-oriented or transitready development in the vicinity of transit systems. DG.4.3 Encourage the extension and development of infrastructure at key locations and intersections, adjacent to rail lines, near the airport and port to foster economic development. DG.4.4 Implement an Access Management Plan (using INDOT guidelines) along each of the study corridors in order to take a proactive approach to minimizing the number of access points while still providing for the proper access needed to serve future development. The County should also require developers to submit a Traffic Impact Study to ensure that the proposed development meets the objectives of the Access Management Plan. DG.4.5 Create guidelines to determine when a Traffic Impact Study (using INDOT guidelines) should be submitted to the County for proposed developments along the study corridors. The required studies will ensure that the transportation objectives for the study
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corridors are met while providing proper access for proposed developments.
ID
Celebrate the Unique Identity and Character of Each Corridor
Goal ID.1 - Support Cultural, Historic Enhancement Efforts that highlight Unique Aspects of Each Corridors ID.1.1
ID.1.2 ID.1.3 ID.1.4 ID.1.5
Combine results and recommendations from previous studies, such as cultural, historic, and environmental studies, as a basis for county-wide transportation enhancements. Honor prominent events or persons by renaming corridors and placing historical interpretive markers at significant locations. Provide signs along corridors that designate creek or wildlife crossing signs, promote environmental awareness and agritourism. Encourage unique, corridor specific gateway treatments. Create a brand for the county by identifying a theme that portrays the County’s desired image and captures the essence of the County from the lake to the river.
Goal ID.2 - Address Signage Throughout the County ID.2.1
ID.2.2
ID.2.3
Create county-wide wayfinding signage that will aid residents and tourists to find significant destinations. Consider illustrating the individuality of specific corridors and localities. Consider speed, building setback, etc., as factors that influence the size of signs. This would help reduce visual clutter and keep more from proliferating. Work with all governmental entities and local businesses to determine standards for commercial signage that are appropriate to the character of each roadway and the surrounding land uses.
Goal ID.3 - Visually Enhance Corridors and Enforce the Maintenance of Corridor Enhancements ID.3.1
Implement corridor beautification through
Porter County Corridor Plan
County-Wide Goals
landscaping using native and indigenous plantings such as wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees adjacent to and in the medians of divided highways. Use a consistent theme of landscaping material on a specific corridor. ID.3.2 Develop a county-wide coordinated look for street signs, light standards, and signal poles. ID.3.3 Utilize the County’s Redevelopment Commission to consider beautification or facade enhancement program for degraded areas. ID.3.4 Designate gateways as major or minor based on traffic volume and location in order to determine the character of treatments. Designs for either gateway type would incorporate similar elements such as welcoming and wayfinding signage, landscaping, lighting and public art. The difference would be in the scale of the improvements. ID.3.5 Initiate an “adopt-an-roadway, -interchange, or -median” program to allow gateway treatments to be created and maintained by corporate and local sponsors. Work with local business associations and investigate possible funding from businesses and/or the Chamber of Commerce. ID.3.6 Strengthen code enforcement efforts regarding unkempt property and dilapidated structures along corridors. ID.3.7 Visually buffer less than desirable views from roadways through the use of vegetation screening or berms. ID.3.8 Work with INDOT to support requests that utility providers bury overhead utility lines or locate them at the rear of property in areas where a special character is desired. ID.3.9 Create landscaped medians and swales along roadways that help control and filter stormwater runoff.
ID.4.3
ID.4.4
ID.4.5
Apply the Scenic Road Overlay District designation to Meridian Road and to portions of SR 49 and US 6 that are not currently included in that zoning designation. Encourage the use a native plants. Amend UDO to permit landscaped buffers that resemble oak-savannah or other naturally occurring landscapes. If evergreens are used, they should be native to the area. The effectiveness of screening would be based on the density of the mix of understory and canopy plantings. Adopt a “no-mow” policy for certain roadside native landscape plantings.
Trail with porous surface fits in well with natural environment
Goal ID.4 - Encourage Preservation of Rural and Natural Characteristics ID.4.1 Preserve the rural character by supporting agricultural land preservation and conservation of natural features and environments. ID.4.2 Use new corridor development to strengthen park and recreational opportunities.
PART 3a: Goals & Recommendations - County-Wide Goals
Adopted 05/19/2009
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County-Wide Goals
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Part 3b
Corridor-Specific Recommendations The following section includes recommendations for each study corridor. • U.S. Highway 6 • U.S. Highway 30 • U.S. Highway 231 • Indiana State Route 2 • Indiana State Route 8 • Indiana State Route 49 • Indiana State Route 130 • Indiana State Route149 • Meridian Road (Valparaiso to Chesterton)
Recommendations for land use, wayfinding, beneficial natural resources, connectivity, and safety, among others, are located in this section. These recommendations were derived from public input, sustainable land use trends, and corridor analysis and reflect the goals and objectives.
Legend Item Definitions The items below are included on the following corridor recommendation maps.
Roadside Development
This symbol is located in areas with strong natural features or views. These areas are suggested for roadside development such as overlook decks, picnic areas, or if the area is intended to be left in its natural state with limited visitor access. A marker describing the significance of the area can be added.
Major Gateways
Major gateways are those that are most heavily used, based on traffic counts along state and federal highways. Gateway treatments denote a change in location and create the first impression of a community.
Minor Gateways
These gateways are located at points of entry into the county that are less traveled, but still important. These gateways could include signage to identify entrances into Porter County.
Trailhead
These areas would likely be suitable for trailheads because of the existence of existing or a proposed trail route that crosses a corridor.
Stream/Water Crossing
To increase public awareness of watersheds and water quality, stream, creek and river crossings are identified on corridors. Development in these areas is subject to UDO Watershed Overlay District standards requiring riparian buffers, additional setbacks, etc.
Incorporated Area
The boundary line of incorporated cities and towns within Porter County. These areas are outside of the Porter County Plan Commission jurisdiction.
County Line
The dividing line between Porter, Lake, Jasper and LaPorte counties
Active Railroad / Abandoned Railroad
Active rail lines may affect land use planning due to limited site access, convenient rail access (for industry), or delays due to train crossings. Abandoned rail lines often make suitable trail corridors and many are already targeted for trail development.
Significant Water Feature
Streams or other water corridors that may impede development, or could add natural significance to a site and provide opportunities for natural preservation.
Potential Trail
Corridors that have been targeted for trail development. Often existing within abandoned rail right-of-way or along corridors as a connector between significant sites.
Suitable Development Areas
Identified on the Development Suitability Map (Part 2: Analysis, page 57). These areas possess good access and are the least constrained by prime agricultural land or significant natural features.
Likely Growth Areas
Areas currently experiencing growth pressures, but not necessarily the most suitable due to land characteristics, sensitive habitats, etc.
SR 149 Corridor
Introduction State Route149 is designated as an arterial in the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan. This corridor, intersected by Salt Creek in two separate locations, is bordered by a mix of natural /undeveloped areas, subdivisions, and remnant agricultural lands. The study area extends from Portage/Chesterton City Limits (CR 1050N) to SR 130.
Recommendations Land Use
• Limit development on SR 149 in the vicinity of US 6 where Salt Creek closely parallels the roadway • Limit development between CR 600N and CR 700N to preserve agricultural land and the continuation of the Salt Creek corridor
Design
• Apply the existing corridor overlay standards from the UDO to new development • Review the effectiveness of current County ordinances with regard to buffering and other visual separations • Require protective buffers / setbacks between Salt Creek and new development through application of the standards in the UDO Watershed Overlay District. • Use native vegetation to satisfy required landscaping • Place signage on roadways at creek crossings to increase awareness
• Work with the South Haven Homeowners Association to enhance buffering and to ensure that the neighborhood matures in a positive manner • Promote compact development at nodes, not in strips • Identify opportunities for County Park or trail creation (e.g. along Salt Creek or connecting to DNR property on 600N where fishing and possible canoe, etc. access exists)
Infrastructure
• Continue to explore options for a southern extension of SR 149 • Apply green highway techniques (see “Green Highways, p.108) for any highway construction due to creek proximity
Drainage awareness signs in Valparaiso.
• Encourage stormwater BMPs for all new development in order to maintain and enhance the water quality in Salt Creek and other waterways • Consider developing greenways along the creek corridors and wetlands • Include trailheads in any road improvement project for both designated trail and waterway access points identified in the Greenways and Blueways Plan. Typical of greenway that could follow Salt Creek corridor.
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Porter County Corridor Plan
SR 149 Corridor
CHESTERTON
Salt Cre ek
PORTAGE
Squi rrel Cree k
I-90 I-80
Potential Blueways Access
Salt C reek
CR 875N (Robbins Rd)
Salt Creek Fish & Wildlife Area
CR 700N
Haven Hollow Park
Potential Blueways Access
149
CR 600N
Salt Creek Fish & Wildlife Area
LEGEND Roadside Development Major Gateway
Camp Butternut Springs (Girl Scout Camp)
Minor Gateway Trailhead Stream/Water Crossing Incorporated Area County Line
CR 550N
Active Railroad Abandoned Railroad
Protect waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
Significant Water Feature Potential Trail
CR 325W
CR 500N
130
PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
CR 250W - Tower Rd
Identify opportunities for County Park or trail creation connecting to fishing and canoe / kayak area.
6
Protect waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
Suitable Development Areas Likely Growth Areas
0
1/2 mi.
1 mi.
Adopted 05/19/2009
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Meridian Road Corridor
Introduction Meridian Road is a north-south arterial link in Liberty Township between Valparaiso and Chesterton. The corridor which parallels State Route 49, is wooded and appealing as it traverses the “Chain of Lakes” area. The setting and proximity to commercial areas on the north, west and south have made it a prime target for residential development. This study focuses on the portion from CR 1050N south to the corporate limits of Valparaiso.
Recommendations Land Use
• Work with the Parks and Recreation Department and local land conservation groups to identify areas for preservation and conservation. A land use category for Open Space, which is more descriptive than the Conservation or Agricultural / Rural designations, should be provided in the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan
• Designate specific nodes for new development near existing development where utilities are readily available • Provide safe pedestrian crosswalks • Provide for and make public aware of wildlife crossings • Incorporate roundabouts into road design as alternatives to 4-way stops and signalized intersections
Design
• Preserve the distinct and unique characteristics of Meridian Road between Chesterton and Valparaiso. Require new commercial development to adopt a “Village Center” concept which reflects the character and scale of the area. The addition of a residential component is key to create a village feel and support retail uses where appropriate
• Apply the Scenic Roadway Overlay District to Meridian Road
• Incorporate signage that increases environmental awareness regarding the watershed, streams, creeks and woodlands
• Develop an environmental checklist to use for development plan review
• Require the use of native planting for new landscaping
• Provide incentives and/or bonuses for conservation subdivision development
• Require the preservation of plant material within 50 feet of Meridian Road right-of-way to maintain habitat and natural look
• Limit commercial retail and business development to a compact node at the intersection of US 6 and Meridian Road • Establish a maximum square footage for commercial development in order to maintain neighborhood character
• Consider reduced-scale signage that is more compatible with the desired character • Provide a rural highway cross-section with wide paved shoulders (e.g. “Super Two-Lane”) where appropriate
Infrastructure
• Apply access management standards included in the UDO to Meridian Road
• Provide enough right-of-way to safely accommodate vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic without compromising the natural setting • Add Meridian Road as a “shared roadway” for bikes • Develop a trail alignment for pedestrians and cyclists to safely connect residential and commercial development, schools, parks and employment centers on Meridian Road. Provide sidewalks and visible crosswalks
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Roundabouts are an alternative to a traditional intersection
Porter County Corridor Plan
Meridian Road Corridor
CHESTERTON
Conservation Subdivision Design (term coined by Randall Arendt)
Potential County Park
A Conservation Subdivision layout permits contextually sensitive, clustered residential growth that benefits residents and the community while simultaneously preserving agricultural land, natural features, and wildlife habitat.
I-90
Protect waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
MERIDIAN ROAD
CR 50W
CR 1050N
I-80
CR 950N
CR 900N
Create special character land use strategy at US 6 and CR 700N
Example of a traditional residential subdivision (left) and a conservation subdivision (right).
Conservation Easements
Create multi-use path or shared roadway to connect destinations including Sunset Hill Farm Park, Pines Ski Lodge, & Rogers Lakewood Park CR 50W
Sunset 6 Hill Farm Park
CR 700N
LEGEND Roadside Development
A conservation easement is the legal tool that ensures that conservation lands set aside as a result of this process remain undeveloped. Conservation lands may be owned by: an individual landowner or several landowners in the Auxillary & new conservation subdivision, a homeowner’s association, the Town, or a land conservancy. Passing lanes
(2008)
Camp Lawrence
Pines Ski Area
Major Gateway Minor Gateway Trailhead
Rogers Lakewood Park
Stream/Water Crossing Incorporated Area County Line Active Railroad
CR 550N
Abandoned Railroad Significant Water Feature Potential Trail Suitable Development Areas Likely Growth Areas
VALPARAISO 0
1/2 mi.
1 mi.
Above: Signalized crossings (right top) or highly identifiable paint (right lower) can increase the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.
New Interchange (2011) PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
Adopted 05/19/2009
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SR 49 Corridor NORTH
Introduction State Route 49 is the most significant north-south corridor in Porter County. The character and use of SR 49 varies greatly throughout the County. SR 49 runs from the Kankakee River in south Porter County to Lake Michigan in north Porter County. The northern study area boundary is CR 1050N. North of US 30, it is a 4-lane divided, limited access expressway carrying more than 20,000 cars per day. South of US 30, the 2-lane minor arterial traverses land with a distinctly rural character.
Recommendations (North of Valparaiso) Land Use
• Promote compact development at specific nodes per the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan to enable preservation of natural areas. • Support the growth of SR 49 as an Economic Development Corridor. Limit the occurrence of small- or medium-scale commercial uses and instead focus on the development of regional mixed-use employment centers in corporate / campus type settings. • Revise the Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map to identify the proposed hospital development and the extent of the supporting health care related businesses. Prioritize areas for development at the locations of the proposed hospital complexes. • Encourage campus-type development at the locations of the proposed hospital complexes.
• Create the SR 49 “Green Corridor” by encouraging large parcel development to share stormwater detention facilities and to incorporate best management practices which may become an amenity to the development and the community. • Ensure that major roadway improvements are context sensitive and contribute to enhancing the county image. • Analyze safety and existing/ future traffic operations at the intersection of SR 49 at US 6 and CR 600N to recommend improvements.
Design
• Define treatment for possible grade separated interchanges on SR 49 that includes context sensitive solutions and maintains continuous pedestrian and bicycle travel. • Apply the Arterial Roadway Overlay District to SR 49 to ensure consistency in character and high quality development. • Consider applying the Scenic Roadway Overlay District to portions of SR 49. • Provide appealing gateway treatments in northern Porter County to draw visitors and tourists from the lake edge into central Porter County and a minor gateway where SR 49 crosses the Kankakee. • Encourage campus type design for hospital and supporting health-related businesses.
Infrastructure
• Require that the construction of a multi-use trail on SR 49 from Dunes State Park to the Porter County Fairgrounds be included in development plan proposals for projects. (See Dunes-Kankakee Trail Plan) • Coordinate the creation of the Dunes-Kankakee Trail from Dunes State Park to the Porter County Fairgrounds with other roadway improvements • Require tree preservation and conservation of the existing landscape. Incorporate the existing land form into the large parcel development and minimize grading and tree removal.
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Overpasses, sound walls, retaining walls and integrated multi-use pathways can be elements of decorative and functional gateway
Porter County Corridor Plan
SR 49 Corridor NORTH Protect waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
CHESTERTON
I-90
I-80
CR 900N
6
Moraine Nature Preserve (DNR)
y& ssing lanes Analyze safety and
CR 700N
Mink Lake (Campground, Golf, Park)
Calumet Ave
Camp Lawrence
CR 600N
existing/ future traffic operations at the intersection of US 6 and CR 600N to recommend intersections improvements
Intersection Improvement Encourage campus type design for hospital and supporting (2008)
health-related businesses
CR 500N
Proposed future interchange at 400N
For airport-related recommendations, refer to US 30 Corridor (page 83)
VALPARAISO
Coordinate the creation of the Dunes-Kankakee Trail from Dunes State Park to the Porter County Fairgrounds with other roadway improvements
LEGEND Roadside Development Major Gateway
2
Minor Gateway Trailhead Stream/Water Crossing Incorporated Area County Line
Sturdy Rd
Active Railroad
A B
Division Rd
30
Abandoned Railroad Significant Water Feature Potential Trail Suitable Development Areas Likely Growth Areas
0
1/2 mi.
1 mi.
PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
Adopted 05/19/2009
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SR 49 Corridor SOUTH
Recommendations (South of Valparaiso) Land Use
• Provide design standards for minor subdivisions and small commercial uses, carved from agricultural land • Coordinate with the town of Kouts regarding their annexation goals. • Work with the town of Kouts to update its land use policies and ordinances to reflect countywide goals • Consider developing and urban/town fringe overlay district with development and design standards to ensure compatibility • Interested landowners should consider agricultural land preservation techniques such as those included in Appendix C: Agricultural Preservation (p. 145)
Design
• Encourage compact urban development within or adjacent to the Town of Kouts • Promote agritourism with coordinated sign program and literature to celebrate the agricultural heritage in the southern part of Porter County. • Develop signage that can be used for agritourism, historic and cultural interpretive opportunities (e.g. Ft. Tassanong) blue and greenway access points, etc. • Protect expansive viewsheds by encouraging the clustering of development and conservation subdivision development that conserves farmland and prohibits view obscuring strips of development along county roads.
• Consider a conservation subdivision type layout that helps create networks of open space in the community
Infrastructure
• Apply the Arterial Roadway Overlay District standards in the UDO which limits access by individual lots directly onto highways. • Per the Greenways and Blueways Plan, provide access points to the Kankakee River • Work with local utility districts to coordinate future infrastructure improvements as a tool to guide future development. • Pursue the continuation of the American Discovery Trail along the abandoned rail corridor. Work with property owners to secure easements. Provide connections back to county roads where access is limited or prohibited. • Select a preferred alignment for the American Discovery Trail and incorporate its design and construction into all new development plans
Types of Seasonal Activities that are part of Agritourism. Seasonal agritourism can spur economic development.
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VALPARAISO
A B
Division Rd
Protect waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
CR 150S
CR 150E
Example of multiuse trail in rural setting CR 250S
CR 300S
KOUTS
Baum s Brid ge R oad
CR 5500S
Baums Bridge Inn
KOUTS
CR 600S
Protect waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
CR 700S
B C
B C
CR 900S
CR 275E
CR 400S
Ensure the safety of views from SR 49 through the use of additional natural buffers or conservation subdivision development.
CR 1050S
Encourage compact urban development within or adjacent to the Town of Kouts.
LEGEND Roadside Development Major Gateway Minor Gateway Trailhead
CR 1125S
Stream/Water Crossing Incorporated Area County Line Active Railroad
CR 1200S
Abandoned Railroad Significant Water Feature
Per the Greenways and Blueways Plan, provide access to the Kankakee River
Potential Trail Suitable Development Areas Likely Growth Areas
0
PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
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Adopted 05/19/2009
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US 6 CORRIDOR
Introduction
Recommendations
This section focuses on US 6 bounded by Portage to the west (CR 450W) and the Porter/LaPorte County Line to the east. To either side of SR 149 the corridor varies in character. West of SR 149 on the eastern edge of Portage, US 6 is a 4-lane highway with primarily commercial strip development. East of SR 149, US 6 is a scenic 2-lane road that travels through a sparsely developed, natural setting. However, growth and development pressure at the grade separated interchange with SR 49 has steadily increased.
Land Use
• Create standards which support the protection of stream corridors (Squirrel, Salt and Coffee Creeks), wetlands, and woodlands that remain. • Focus new growth at nodes near existing development where utilities have been provided such as near South Haven at SR 149, CR 200W and SR 49 or within incorporated areas. • Create a Neighborhood Retail / Village District with accompanying design and development standards for development that may occur at the Meridian Road intersection to maintain the rural/natural character while permitting limited economic development to serve the residential population • Work with the Portage Planning Department regarding annexation intentions and to create a plan for the transition from city to county development. • Create opportunities and incentives for infill and redevelopment
Road with sidewalk, pedestrian buffer (landscaped strip), and bicycle lane.
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
Create gateways into Porter County
78
CR 75W 149
Salt Creek Fish & Wildlife Area
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Calumet Ave
Squirrel Creek
49
Meridian Road
PORTAGE
Focus on visibility, efficiency, and safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. CR 200W
McCool Rd
Salt C reek
Create opportunities and incentives for infill and redevelopment
US 6 CORRIDOR
Infrastructure
• Coordinate the provision of sewer and water utilities by the local providers
address site layout, orientation to the street, on and off-site access, landscaping and buffers, architectural design, and signage.
• Manage access for new development. Develop agreements with existing property owners to tie into new shared access when it is developed.
• Create gateways into Porter County on US 6 at the eastern border with Portage and with LaPorte County
• Acquire additional right-of-way for US 6 west of SR 49 that permits safe travel for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Consider an off-road multi-use trail which connects major points.
• Focus on visibility, efficiency, and safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at the intersection of US6 and CR 200W
• Upgrade SR 6 from SR 149 to SR 49 to a “Super Two-Lane” road. Focus on visibility, efficiency, and safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Design
• Provide roadside interpretive signage identifying US 6 as the Grand Army of the Republic highway (see Part 1: Introduction, “US 6”, p.14 for history). Create an interpretive exhibit which describes the history of the highway. It could be incorporated into a new development parcel. • Apply and enforce (along the entire length of US 6) the UDO’s Arterial Roadway Overlay District development and design standards which
Example of Interpretive Signage
“Village” / Neighborhood Retail scale for future development Refer to SR 49 Corridor North (page 75)
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
LEGEND Roadside Development Major Gateway Minor Gateway Trailhead Stream/Water Crossing
Moraine Nature Preserve (DNR)
Incorporated Area County Line
University of Chicago Woods (DNR)
Active Railroad Abandoned Railroad
CR 625E
CR 500E
CR 350E
Coffee Creek
Significant Water Feature Potential Trail
6
Suitable Development Areas Likely Growth Areas
0
PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
1/2 mi.
Adopted 05/19/2009
1 mi.
79
SR 130 CORRIDOR Explore alternative uses for the former landfill
Introduction SR 130 runs diagonally through the north central portion of the County in a northwest to southeast direction from the county line to the corporate limits of central Valparaiso. The Norfolk Southern active rail line parallels the roadway. The corridor is characterized by a mixture of agricultural uses and sporadic residential punctuated by the unincorporated town of Wheeler. Duck Creek and Salt Creek are in the vicinity of the corridor and the sensitive habitats would be impacted by future development.
CR 600N
CR 750E
Duck Creek
Recommendations Land Use
• Establish guidelines for potential growth that may occur at the intersection SR 149 and SR 130 • Develop an Area Plan for Wheeler to support compact growth and development goals • Coordinate with Valparaiso Planning Department regarding their annexation intentions and future development proposals on the urban fringe • Explore alternative land uses for the former Waste Management Landfill site such as a park or other public use. • Explore infill and redevelopment opportunities in the vicinity of Wheeler • Explore alternative land uses for the old Langrebe site • Buffer development with close proximity to Salt Creek and provide access / launch points per the Greenways and Blueways Plan
Infrastructure
• Upgrade rail crossings and approaches for enhanced safety as development occurs
of-way of SR 130. (recommended in the NIRPC Ped & Pedal Plan 2005) • Identify nodes for development where utilities are readily available along SR 130 and analyze safety and future / existing traffic operations at SR 149 & SR 130
Design
• Enhance the town center character of Wheeler • Provide wayfinding signage for destinations such as the town of Wheeler and the Conservation Club • Create a signage program to identify creeks, other tributaries, wetlands, and other waterways to increase public awareness. • Apply major / minor gateway treatment at County line
• Continue to investigate opportunities for a southern extension of SR 149. • Mitigate the impact of or to the Norfolk Southern or Canadian National Railroads • Protect the artesian wells located between Jones Road and CR 475W, wetlands along SR 130, and the salt creek watershed • Investigate the creation of an off-road multi-use path from Valparaiso to Hobart within the rightOn-road bike lane
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Redevelopment possibilities in the vicinity of Wheeler Investigate the creation of an offroad multi-use path from Valparaiso to Hobart (recommended by the NIRPC Ped & Pedal Plan 2005) Off-road multi-use path adjacent to active rail
Salt C reek
Wolf Rd
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
130
Identify nodes for development where utilities are readily available along SR 130, and analyze safety and existing/ future traffic operations at the intersection of SR 149 & SR 130 to recommend intersections improvements
149
CR 475E
CR 400N
CR 250E - Tower Rd
VALPARAISO
LEGEND Roadside Development Major Gateway Minor Gateway Trailhead
Continue to investigate opportunities for a southern extension of SR 149.
Stream/Water Crossing Incorporated Area County Line Active Railroad Abandoned Railroad Significant Water Feature Potential Trail
Explore alternative land uses for the old Langrebe site
Suitable Development Areas Likely Growth Areas
0
1/2 mi.
1 mi.
PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
Adopted 05/19/2009
81
US 30 CORRIDOR
Introduction US 30 is one of the most prominent corridors in Porter County. This east-west highway is also a major link to Merrillville and other communities within Lake County and east across the state to Ft. Wayne. Other than the interstate highways, US 30 has the highest traffic counts in the County. The study area extends form county line to county line on a 4-lane divided highway with somewhat limited access. The highway passes on the southern side of the city of Valparaiso and serves the Porter County Airport.
Recommendations Land Use
• Continue to apply the goals of the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan and to enforce the UDO Arterial Roadway Overlay District
• Coordinate with the Airport Zone Development Committee to ensure compatibility recommendations within the Airport Zone Study and this Corridor Plan. • Appropriately zone land for future airport growth. • Support efforts for “shovel-ready” sites for new industrial development near airport. • Create a strategy for land use proposed along US 30, south of Valparaiso. • Coordinate future land use plans with the City of Valparaiso’s plans for annexation. Coordinate land use policies and design guidelines. • Encourage developers of large parcels surrounding the airport to be models for sustainable green development
• Protect and enhance wetlands and other lowlying natural areas along US 30
• Consider the implementation of a reclamation ordinance for depleted sand mines or other mineral extraction
• Confine development to already existing nodes
• Conserve agricultural lands east of Valparaiso
Joliet Road is frequently used as a direct connection to the northside of Valparaiso.
CR 475W
CR 725W
Consider reclamation of depleted sand mines
30
Salt Creek
VALPA
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Smoke Rd
Hayes Leonard Rd
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
CR 250W - Tower Rd
30
CR 100N
82
130
Joliet Rd CR 600W
Deep River
Ensure compatibility of recommendations in both the Airport Zone Study and this Corridor Plan.
Create a strategy at US 30 & Hayes Leonard Road with regard to vehicular, pedestrian, and cyclist safety.
US 30 CORRIDOR
Infrastructure
• Adopt strategies in the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan and through ordinances to minimize congestion and limit multiple, direct vehicular access to and from US 30. • Consider a strategy for improvements to Joliet Road which is frequently used as a more direct connection from US 30 to the north side of Valparaiso.
• Evaluate the potential for a new northern entrance to the airport area
Design
• Provide major gateway treatments at the east and west county boundaries of US 30. • Use design guidelines to ensure compact, welldesigned, sustainable development where anticipated along the US 30 corridor.
• Encourage business campus master planning • Use roadside signage to interpret the designation Intersection Auxillary & and design standards for the development of of Joliet Road as the Lincoln Memorial Highway Improvement Passing lanes airport parcels • Apply appropriate access management stan(2008) (2008) dards for new development to maintain levels of service. • For proposed unsignalized access to major corridors, require offset “T” intersections for developments occurring on opposite sides of a major corridor to increase the safety of drivers crossing the major corridor. • Provide safe non-motorised access on and across US 30 in designated areas • Analyze safety and existing/ future traffic operations at the intersection of US 30 and Hayes Leonard Road to recommend improvements New Interchange (2011)
Master-planned business campus with shared stormwater filtration.
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
Evaluate the potential for a new northern entrance to the airport area
49
LEGEND Roadside Development
ARAISO
Preserve agricultural lands east of Valparaiso. CR 200N
Major Gateway Minor Gateway Trailhead
CR 450E
2
Stream/Water Crossing Incorporated Area County Line Active Railroad
West Branch Crooked Creek
Abandoned Railroad Significant Water Feature Potential Trail
CR 150E
Suitable Development Areas
30
49
Likely Growth Areas
Division Rd
PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
0
1/2 mi.
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Adopted 05/19/2009
83
SR 2 CORRIDOR
Introduction SR 2 is a scenic 2-lane corridor that runs from the northeast, through Valparaiso, and southwest to the Porter / Lake County line. The primarily rural residential corridor is a major gateway into the County from
Interstate 65 . In Hebron, SR 2 is not just a regional highway, but also the main street which can be challenging trying to balance the goals of each type of travelway.
Recommendations Land Use
• Limit development in flood prone areas and floodplains adjacent to the corridor
Create a development strategy at 350S.
• Require buffers and development setbacks to protect wetlands, wildlife habitat, etc. CR 350S
B
• Anticipate development and create a strategy for obtaining desired growth for the intersections at SR 2 & 350S, SR 2 & CR 100S, SR 2 & CR 400E and SR 2 & 300N.
A
• Coordinate with the town of Hebron’s annexation goals.
CR 450S
CR 600W
• Work with the town of Hebron to update its land use policies and ordinances to reflect countywide goals • If desired by agricultural property owners, implement farmland preservation techniques contained in Appendix C: Agricultural Preservation (p. 145).
2
Encourage compact development adjacent to Hebron where utilities and services are available
CR 650S
• Provide incentives such as density bonuses to encourage conservation subdivisions to create networks of open space and preserve agricultural land.
HEBRON 8
• Identify and interpret historically significant sites including but not limited to the Historic RoadOld South Trail, Historic Indian / Buffalo Trail,
CR 900S
Create gateways
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
84
J Co asp un er ty
231
Kankakee River
CR 10
CR 500W
CR 1000S
CR 600W
2
CR 350S
Explore opportunities for County Parks or River access in this area.
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2
A
SR 2 CORRIDOR
etc.). Explore opportunities to create roadside interpretive exhibits. • Limit potential growth to those areas adjacent to existing development and where utilities are readily available such as adjacent to Hebron. • Maintain scenic views through careful management of development.
Infrastructure
• Work with INDOT to employ access management standards for new development through the development approval process • Consider traffic calming techniques on SR 2 the corporate limitsIntersection of Hebron
Auxillary &within Passing lanes (2008)
Improvement (2008)
• Consider requiring a Traffic Impact Analysis for areas where a significant amount of housing units, employment, educational, or commercial trips are created. • Explore opportunities for county parks or river access in the area along the Kankakee River.
2
CR 400E
• Preserve the rural atmosphere of applicable segments of SR 2 by promoting compact growth Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
CR 400N 49
CR 300N
VALPARAISO 30
Create a development strategy for the intersection of SR 2 & CR 400E and SR 2 & 300N.
Preserve the rural atmosphere of this and similar segments of SR 2 by promoting compact growth
30
Salt Creek LEGEND
CR 200W
Division Rd
Roadside Development Major Gateway
00S
Minor Gateway Trailhead Stream/Water Crossing Incorporated Area
CR 300W
County Line Active Railroad Abandoned Railroad Significant Water Feature
Create a development strategy for the intersection of SR 2 & CR 100S.
Potential Trail Suitable Development Areas Likely Growth Areas
0
1/2
1 mi.
PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
Design
• Enforce the Secondary Arterial Roadway Overlay District requirements. • Investigate opportunities for wayfinding signage and state historic identification markers throughout the county and along the Kankakee River. • Create gateways into the county that express its unique identity on SR 2 and US 231. • Provide design standards for minor subdivisions and small commercial concerns, carved from agricultural land, which limits access by individual lots directly onto SR 2. Adopted 05/19/2009
85
SR 8 CORRIDOR
Introduction
• Discourage high density residential major subdivisions with no proximity to retail, service, or employment centers.
The State Route 8 corridor extends east-west from LaPorte to Lake County Lines and links the towns of Kouts and Hebron. It is situated amidst the rich, flat, agricultural lands of southern Porter County permitting broad long range views.
• Develop policies to ensure compatibility between existing development and large livestock production development.
Infrastructure
Recommendations
• Work with trail advocacy groups to develop abandoned railroad line parallel to SR 8 as part of the American Discovery Trail.
Land Use
• Maintain the rural, small town atmosphere of Kouts and Hebron by promoting compact development adjacent to incorporated areas.
• Investigate opportunities for trail connections between the proposed American discovery Trail and the Kankakee River.
• The Planning and Development departments of Kouts, Hebron and Porter County should meet regularly to review and approve development proposals.
Design
• Create minor gateway treatments which include wayfinding signage, public art, landscaping, etc., to enhance the image at entrances to the County.
• Preserve long range expansive viewsheds by limiting strip development adjacent to SR 8. • Preserve and interpret sites with historic significance. Possibly incorporate into a County-wide tourism strategy.
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
Form a trails committee to develop a trail connecting Hebron to Kouts along SR 8. This route is targeted to become a segment of the American Discovery Trail. 2
Smoke Rd
HEBRON
Future Connection to Pennsy Greenway
CR 400W
CR 500W
Future Connection to the Veterans Memorial Trail
American Discovery Trail Corridor
CR 250W
8
Baums Bridge Inn CR 900S
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SR 8 CORRIDOR
#1
#2
#3 Multi-use paths in rural area
Protect and enhance waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards
Of the three development pattern photos at left, the public preferred defined town or city boundaries (#2) and compatible growth that is incorporated into the existing town or city context (#3) over sporadic commercial, industrial, and residential growth (#1).
LEGEND Roadside Development Major Gateway Minor Gateway
KOUTS
Stream/Water Crossing Incorporated Area County Line
CR 600E
49
CR 300E
d oa eR g rid sB m u Ba
CR 450E
Trailhead
Active Railroad Abandoned Railroad Significant Water Feature Potential Trail
W Coinfield rrid or Trail
Suitable Development Areas Likely Growth Areas
West Branch Crooked Creek 0
PART 3b: Goals & Recommendations - Corridor-Specific Recommendations
1/2 mi.
1 mi.
Adopted 05/19/2009
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Part 3c
Development Scenarios
Development Scenarios
Introduction
Development Philosophy
This following development scenarios evolved from the County’s desire for high quality development for its corridors which oftentimes are the first impression visitors and residents get of a community. This chapter includes five prototypical concept plans which act and acts as a pattern book for future development. These different types of development can occur an any location with similar and relevant land use and transportation characteristics.
Porter County is fortunate to have open space in the form of sandy dunes, mature woodlands and prime farmland. The population density is relatively low and is appropriately concentrated in cities and small towns, though in some areas prime land is being consumed at an increasingly fast pace. According to steering committee and public workshop input, which includes citizens and county decision makers, there is an interest in preserving much of the appealing natural landscape. To preserve the character and also meet economic development goals, it is important to use land efficiently.
The numbers on the following map suggest locations that would be suitable for the prototype. Common to all scenarios is thoughtful site planning that preserves natural features whether, woodlands, rolling terrain, prime farmland or streams. These enhance the local character and create a sense of place that reflects Porter County. The prototypical developments include:
90
1
Suburban Commercial Development / Redevelopment
2
Crossroads Commercial Development
3
Business / Industrial Park Development
4
Neighborhood-Scale Commercial Development
5
Conservation Subdivision with Mixed-Use
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The recommendations in this section promote efficient, compact development with a focus on site planning with appropriate infrastructure. Though greenfield development on inexpensive land can be financially tempting and sometimes the easiest solution, it requires an enormous expenditure of other resources for the extension of roads and utilities. Many of the development scenarios promote developing along existing roadways on vacant and/or underutilized sites which take advantage of available infrastructure.
Porter County Corridor Plan
Unnamed
850
Shebel
850 Holmesville
900
B
Haskell
l Mil w elo Big
900
1025
Main Illinois 1050
1050
1050 Mill
875
Crossroads Commercial on Major Divided Highway
United States Highway 421
2200
325
2300
County Line
500
200
Commercial Intersection
Active Rail
r
PART 3c: Goals & Recommendations - Development Scenarios
1200 250
3 Miles
400
2
500
Lake / Water Bodies
1400
County Road 1450
County Road 142 5 County Road 1350
300
0 1/2 1
County Road 180
100
Cardinal
County Road 1350
400
Abandoned Rail
ve
1400
1400
200
1400
Proposed Roads
350
Streams
5 550
Traditional or Conservation Neighborhood
Incorporated Areas 650 County Line
State Road 10
Project Study Area
900
Ri
Toto Toto
Corridor Plan Roads
1100
ee
County Road 600
ak
Business / Industrial Park Development
2350
4 Neighborhood / Community
1300
nk
500
Ka
3
Roads
1050
2400
Millers
Legend
1125
1500
1450
350
400
Rolling Meadows
950
United States Highway 421 Alcin
Unnamed
Willow Flynn Plain
Circle
1100
1100
1150
2
600 400
1000
350
300
500
450
Commercial Strip Redevelopment
1050
1600
State Road 231 500
2100
1
1100
50
1000
1050
550
550
1350
1100 Elm 1150
County Highway 1185 450
300 275
State Road 49
um Ba
150
575
700
900
1400
600
950
Halleck
Demotte
S County Road County Line 675
PORTER County Line
550
Church
ridg sB
250
950
Dik e Randolph
1000
1100
1200
8th
1400
1850
Lacrosse
State Highway 8
e
350 400
475
500
950
125
15th
LAPORTE
575
Main
125
State Road 8 Kelvyn
Ross
1200
1000
1400
1400
1550
1600
1125
ard
1450
1500
1175
County Road 650
525
450
600
150 50
Smoke
Daumer
Development Scenarios Map
217th
Center 2
oad te R Sta
600 564 575 550 500
195
Meridian
150 150
200
350
McKinley
1800
esap Win Old Orc h
1250
1400
350
550
Acorn
1500
Bailey
435 368
State Road 49
150 100
100
175
225
Jeflynn
y
1600
Wanatah
1700
1200
d
1350
400
Kouts Jefferson
850
1025
205th
United States Highway 30 High
Post
Legion
150
150
200
1700
Gran
1st
900
ER RT PO ER SP JA
Earl Carrie
1200
1300
250
375
575
Rustic Acres
30
450
400
Niles 100
75
300 0 30
Norbeh Oakbrook 625
United States Highway 231
Division
Rain
Union
625
Hunter Elk Dodge
600 Old
575
400
Kaper
400
ay 30
650
in Elw
mse
Ra
1050
550
Sundew
Mea dowd ale 500
500
Northfield
325
Rigg Rigg
Montdale
e ton
325
Highw
700
8
1000
231
ne
States
Oak Breeze
300
Fairoaks
100
189th
County Line
650
475
400
300 Deerfield
Bartz
Ca
in
Engle
Industrial
ys Ra
Laurelwood Pinehurst
100
150
United
500
r
Harrison
700
Walte
2
1050
Rillstone
Reif
2
1000
1800
750
Fairlane
1150
575
450
350 Old Suman
200
State Road 49
Silhavy
Club Spyglass
Dove Mayfield
Greenwich
Hearthstone
Smoke
275
3
388 Walnut
350
State Highway 2 State Road 2
Fir Poplar
on
ils
Bates Alyea Sigler South
200
100
Nathan
550
670
Corbly
870
150
Murvihill
49
650
Martin
Co Line
600
500
275
150
Kestrel
4th
Agape
Oak Grove lum et
age
Ca
Shaker
Valley Vill
Valparaiso
Franklin
Heavilin
State Road 49
Victoria
Bloomingdale
Farmdale
Campbell
dsor
Sears Linden
Napoleon Washington Lytle
Milton Elmhurst Weston
425
375
345
325
Littler
200
70
Meridian
50 Jade
50
Win
Old Oak
Sherwood
Meagher
Un Bogata
Coolwood
Thornapple Mau mee
Ro te Sta
Pioneer Harvest
Slalom
125
Shatz
Lismore
Prentis Froberg s 150
Skyline
Hayes Leonard
Braemar
Kincraig
2 ad
Sturdy
75
Alpine
200
Pri va te
175
Kristen Webbs
Sylvan
325
425
300 Brummitt
Arbutus Redbud Gra ham Brummitt Bru mm it
325
Miami
Calumet
E 31 p m ra
50
250
Cre
ek
150
nd Sa
100
Laurel Creek
50
Teale
Veden
Hadenfelt
Harrison
dy
8th
Waverly
Carmo
Chalamel
Penny Morningside
Ra nk in
6th
14th 12th 10th 8th
5th 11th
50
Mineral Springs
Tremont
25
Aspen Dunemoor Central
Waverly
Main
Mineral Springs
19th Sexton Wagner Jackson
22nd
20th 18th 16th
23rd
25th
Pearson
Babcock
Elgin
Crocker
250 Tower
od wo le
350
Devon Carmand
Deerpath
450
Windy Oak
450
550
700
725
865
1014
nd
Blackthorn
540
PORTER
700
1st
650
173rd
Sto
800
250
425
600
Warrrick
100 Jane 125
360 Juniper Heritage Governor 330 Capitol
350
Lakepark
325
id Br
ley
375
Pix
500
York
Timber
Springwood
675
Allegheny
695
725
y den
Valle
325
375
550
550 Lourdes
600
Sunset
Sierra Madre
Delmar
675
e's al Te Roy Happy Vall Brandywin ey e
County Line
LAKE
600
Randolph
Bernie
McCool McCool
Mc Cool
475
625 600
1 64 656
687
700 County Line
Hid
475
County Line
Union
Lions
Salt Creek
Truman
Tonia
450
June
Olympia Robin
475
650
725
750 Vigo
Erie
sta gu Au Kingsway
Randolph Montgomery Montgomery
State Road 149
Carmen
Delta 500 500
550
675
West Mill
County Road 150
Boundary
Sun Loop George Nelson State Road 249
Crisman
Samuelson
Austin
Edith
Airport
Teresa
Destiny
Willowcreek
625
5th 3rd 1st
750
Parke
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Adopted 05/19/2009
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1
Suburban Commercial Development / Redevelopment
Character The typical suburban commercial development happens at the fringe of existing urbanized areas, especially in the areas where relatively higher density residential subdivisions are located. This type of development can occur in commercial nodes at intersections or along individual small parcels along the roadway. This plan encourages new development to incorporate existing parcels into a redeveloped master planned commercial area with a cohesive concept and to, in some cases, take over underutilized business concerns that may no longer be appropriate as the urban fringe moves closer. Preserving and enhancing sensitive habitats such as creeks and woodlands not only is ecologically sound but could provide a theme that enhances commerce as well.
Recommendations 1. Revise the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan to identify specific commercial nodes for future development. 2. Infill locations with traffic and density can offer better opportunities than other sites, especially in an economic downturn. Provide guidance for contextual infill redevelopment in terms of character and scale. 3. Permit mixed-use development that could allow attached homes such as townhomes or apartments or community facilities, such as a library or history museum, to be included in new development. 4. Amend the UDO to be more flexible by permitting office and / or residential uses in the second story of corridor buildings. 5. Encourage existing local businesses to combine / share their vehicular access points and perform other frontage streetscape improvements when corridor reconstruction projects are proposed. 6. Work with INDOT and existing businesses to provide dedicated turn lanes where warranted in combination with landscaped medians to control left turning traffic for the safety and benefit of the community and potential customers. 7. Implement access management techniques illustrated in Part 4: Implementation Toolbox (“Transportation Management�, p. 104).
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8. Require curb and gutter for a more urbanized street cross-section at major intersections instead of rip-rapped roadside swales. 9. Use coordinated new lighting and landscaping along the roadways to establish a theme. 10. Work with utility providers to bury overhead wires when road widening occurs in order to reduce visual clutter. 11. Include accessible sidewalks or multi-use paths in the urban-influenced design. 12. Install pedestrian crossings using prominent textures or colors that signal to the motorist the approach of a busy commercial area. 13. Develop a beautification program or provide incentives to existing property owners to willingly comply with the standards in the UDO such as facade improvements, trash enclosures, and parking lot perimeter and interior landscaping. Educate business owners as to how these changes benefit them and provide overall visual enhancement for the community. Similarly, encourage property owners to reevaluate current signage and the image it presents, to bring older signs into compliance with current UDO standards. 14. Encourage the development of a/multiple commercial property owners maintenance association(s) to regularly remove litter, trash, and weeds. This increases the perception that a community is safe, clean and successful. 15. Maintain levels of code enforcement for litter, trash, and weeds throughout the County. 16. Highlight the effect that existing natural features or public art have as a customer draw by incorporating the features into redevelopment. 17. Utilize the County Redevelopment Commission or similar authority that can exercise an assortment of land management tools and techniques to bring about changes in underutilized areas.
Porter County Corridor Plan
Suburban Commercial Development / Redevelopment
18. If a business in an area where new development is encouraged is no longer viable in its location, facilitate a move of that business to another building or property. This could potentially be done by the Redevelopment Commission. 19. Detail open space and incorporate kiosks with community activities information or interpretation of places of cultural and historical significance. 20. Require fiscal impact and traffic impact analyses that meet INDOT guidelines for development proposals on their corridors. This will determine what burdens or benefits the development may have with regards to utility services, roadway improvements, and county services such as police, fire, and schools.
Landscaped linear paths and designated crosswalks with median refuges create a pedestrian-friendly environment
1
21. The County’s economic development leaders and decision makers should work with the commercial developers to get the highest quality design for the county. Many national chain and franchise businesses have a “good, better, best” level of design. Many owners will alter their standard site, building, and sign design to conform to the community’s desires and design regulations. 22. Consider providing bonuses or incentives such as speedy development plan review for developers who are willing to provide innovations in site design, architecture, or infrastructure.
A 40-foot landscaped buffer provides screening between uses and can function as a linear stormwater detention
Typical two story buildings border the street edge and frame off-street parking which is generally to the sides and rear of the structures.
A “40,000 SF “big box” retail business can be incorporated into this scenario
“Main Street” style shopping with parallel onstreet parking Intersection enhancements include gateway features, landscaped medians and , special paving for crosswalks
This redevelopment scenario illustrates a new retail, office and entertainment area that incorporates older individual businesses in a unified, integrated, and vital development. Cross access between parcels is key to preventing congestion on the corridor. Intersections and driveways should be spaced adequately and auxiliary lanes provided so that traffic does not queue in such a manner as to block through traffic or other intersections PART 3c: Goals & Recommendations - Development Scenarios
20-foot wide bioswales or infiltration basins are used to handle stormwater and for parking lot landscaping Adjacent existing residential land use
Adopted 05/19/2009
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2
Crossroads Commercial Development
Character Typical crossroads commercial development occurs along a major arterial with high traffic counts that may be attractive to potential commercial developers, often at intersections with existing signalization.
Recommendations 1. New development should be located at major east/west and north/south crossroads with signalized intersections, not at uncontrolled minor intersections. 2. To achieve a compact development pattern, establish a radius from the center point of the intersection beyond which new development should not extend. 3. Follow the standards of the Arterial Road Overlay district in the UDO. Consider amending the text to permit additional flexibility similar to a form based code. 4. No new buildings or contiguous group of buildings shall exceed a gross square footage of 125,000 square feet or a combined contiguous building length of 300 feet. 5. Building fronts shall be oriented to face either the highway or other buildings primary entrance facades. 6. Continue to minimize parking fields by setting a maximum for parking ratios and maintaining locations to the sides and rear of the structures.
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Above: Landscaped buffers between the main travel corridors and commercial development
Below and left: Outdoor seating incorporated into commercial retail development
Porter County Corridor Plan
Crossroads Commercial Development
2
Prototypical rendering of potential commercial retail/office development opportunities on a high-speed highway or expressway. Access from the highway is limited and via entrances from secondary streets.
Two story buildings are a more appropriate scale when setback a distance from the highway Habitats slated for preservation should have 100-foot wide undeveloped areas
Roundabout is an alternative to a four-way stop
Bioswales in parking areas direct water into the existing wetlands and decrease the need for detention facilities.
The intensity of the development should be compatible with sensitive habitats such as creek corridors or wetlands that may exist on the site Plazas incorporated into site development are opportunities for gathering and public art display
Enhanced intersections create an entry statement and sense of arrival
Gas station may have been the only existing business at intersection
PART 3c: Goals & Recommendations - Development Scenarios
Adopted 05/19/2009
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3
Business / Industrial Park Development
Character Areas in the proximity of the County airport are prime locations for future business / industrial park development for employment-based land uses. This type of development usually occurs in “greenfield� areas (undeveloped large parcels). It is best situated at a multi-modal hub of roads, rail, and air transportation alternatives. The success of the park can be due to location but also due to the attention to quality master planning of the site which takes into account the network of roads for cars and trucks, rail access for goods, and amenities for employees.
Recommendations 1. Utilize site planning principles to create a quality development that will enhance marketability and set a standard for future development in the area. 2. Create a master plan to accommodate and guide multiple property owners and the realistic probability that development will occur over an extended period of time. Create shared drainage facilities.
3. Respect adjacent neighborhoods by creating visually appealing entrances, setting major buildings back from the highway, and providing landscape buffers as required by ordinance. 4. Due to the sheer size of these types of parcels, use the development as an opportunity to promote sustainability and utilize green development principles such as increasing standard setbacks adjacent to sensitive habitats (creeks and wetlands), and using pervious pavement or vegetated swales to accommodate runoff for fields of parking 5. Incorporate natural elements into development, such as a path along a creek, to create a pleasing work environment and provide access to opportunities for exercise. 6. The same consideration should be given to the architectural design standards, signage and landscaping for these corporate parks that is given to residential and commercial retail development. 7. As an employment center, transit connections should be provided on site or within walking distance.
Carefully planned corporate campus development that incorporates existing natural features (left) and manages stormwater in a unified sustainable manner (right).
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Business / Industrial Park Development
Prototypical master-planned business park for office or industrial development providing a variety of methods of access to increase versatility This proposal illustrates how natural features can be integrated with sustainable stormwater management practices.
3
Major new business park development should be master planned to represent build-out potential. A conceptual design should address car and truck access, minimum parcel sizes, orientation of parcels, streetscape treatments and shared stormwater detention facilities.
It is better for slow moving vehicles such as trucks to enter and exit corridors via signalized, 4-way stop or roundabout controlled intersections versus one-way or two-way stop controlled intersections. Secondary Entrance Development Site
Development Site
Staged wetlands with trail
Secondary Entrance
Development Site Development Site
Capitalize on existing rail access to service distribution warehouses
Existing natural features such as streams, wetlands, and mature trees should be incorporated into the development to maintain wildlife habitat and to provide an amenity to employees.
Integrated Trail System
PART 3c: Goals & Recommendations - Development Scenarios
Adopted 05/19/2009
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4
Neighborhood-Scale Commercial Development
Character Neighborhood-scale commercial development occurs at local roadway crossroads within proximity of or in conjunction with rural to low density residential uses, often where high quality natural areas, featuring forests and wetlands, exist and therefore make land highly desirable for residents. May also be located in areas near major employment centers. An environment that is attractive to prospective consumers in a setting that is pedestrian and vehicle friendly can be created by using the following implementation tools:
Recommendations 1. The County should establish standards early in the development plan review process to incorporate existing businesses on small individual parcels.
7. Control uses; only permitting neighborhood retail and office businesses. Discourage larger community-wide uses, light industrial, storage-type, and car dealerships. 8. Incorporate sustainable stormwater Best Management Practices into engineering design and site planning to manage stormwater by using vegetated swales in parking lots to hold and filter runoff, designing retention facilities to be ecologically beneficial, etc. 9. Make request to INDOT to work directly with utility providers to consider placing existing overhead and new utilities underground or to the rear of parcels to reduce visual clutter and enhance the image. 10. Encourage shared parking for multiple uses.
2. Create form-based standards to enhance the UDO which can provide a holistic approach to address site layout and development’s relationship to the corridor.
11. Require a sidewalk/multi-use path system that connects the new commercial development to each neighborhood, park, school or other community facility. Local trail and bike lanes should be integrated into development.
3. Work with INDOT and existing businesses to provide dedicated turn lanes where warranted in combination with landscaped medians to control left turning traffic for the safety and benefit of the community and potential customers.
12. Amend the UDO to allow flexibility in corridor commercial development by permitting office and residential second story uses in addition to the retail currently required.
4. Establish a maximum square footage of 20,000 square feet for individual or anchor structures and a maximum parcel size of 3 acres in order to achieve the desired scale and character. 5. Since the height and illumination of signs can be some of the most intrusive visual elements on a corridor, discourage variances to signage standards; instead work with property owners to create more legible effective signs appropriate to the speed of travel and distance from the path of travel.
Details such as awnings, pedestrian lighting, textured materials and pitched roofs contribute to neighborhood scale retail
6. Because the structures will be viewed from all sides, elements of the architectural detail that are apparent on the front should be extended to the sides and rear.
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Neighborhood-Scale Commercial Development
4
A prototypical neighborhood scale mixed-use commercial “village” development with residential opportunities is a good candidate for busy intersections with moderate traffic in the midst of less dense residential areas. Access to goods and services by short vehicle trips and integrated foot and bicycle paths can reduce congestion and maintain the pastoral character. Landscaped medians, crosswalks and other features signal “special area” ahead.
40-foot landscaped buffer between new and existing uses
Two-story buildings adjacent to the road is a typical development pattern in a “village” scenario
A 10-foot trail provides connectivity to shopping, parks, schools and neighborhoods Existing Park
Existing wetland
Bioswale
PART 3c: Goals & Recommendations - Development Scenarios
40-foot buffer of native plants
Adopted 05/19/2009
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5
Conservation Subdivision with Mixed-Use
Character The conservation subdivision offers an alternative by permitting residential development in desirable areas while preserving or conserving the best natural resources and open space in those areas. Areas with attractive natural features that are conveniently located near urbanized areas experience the most development pressure for new residential development from those who prefer living in rural neighborhoods. Commercial development soon follows these new rooftops. If not developed in a planned and thoughtful manner, the area that was once the subject of desire may become degraded. Implementation of the following measures can stave off low quality development that diminishes the natural setting, and at the same time, create a lively and thriving village atmosphere. The development scenario below is adjacent to an urbanized area with nearby community facilities. The natural feature could be woodlands, wetlands, dunes or farmlands which the community would like to have remain in tact so there is minimal disturbance of the ecosystem. This type of development can be solely residential or be mixed use functioning like a village center does.
Recommendations 1. Concentrate new development near community gathering places such as towns or schools. 2. Preserve or conserve the natural features which made the area desirable by creating a “neotraditional type” development which mimics the urban fabric of an adjacent town, or a conservation subdivision which prizes the resources contained in the undeveloped area. Both developments encourage relatively higher densities while incorporating public open space, and reduces the amount of required roads and utility extensions. Density of a certain level creates an energy and vitality in a space.
4. Amend the Unified Development Ordinance to include standards that require: • plant protection measures for all existing trees • reduce the maximum lot coverage requirements to further limit the amount of impervious surface in sensitive areas • street tree plantings of native species in natural patterns to supplement existing plant material - place street trees between the street and the walkways to create a distinct and safer pedestrian zone • lighting for streets in commercial and residential areas, and along corridors should employ full cutoff fixtures so as not to leak light into the night sky, thus preserving the rural character at night while providing safety 5. Maintain the width of the existing corridor in order to preserve the visual character and scale of the residential neighborhoods and commercial centers. Use street trees, medians, light standards and other vertical elements to reduce the perceived street width. 6. Develop a unified sustainable stormwater approach for stormwater produced from new development using vegetated drainage corridors that can also serve as recreational and educational facilities. 7. Designate corridors Above: Vegetated in parking lot with distinct character and thatswale detains and filters significant natural features stormwater runoff such as rolling topography as Scenic Roadways and apply SRO standards.
3. Provide the amenities associated with these special communities including an extensive pedestrian and bicycle network with prominent crossings, extensive landscaping to enhance aesthetics and the environment, and high quality architectural and site design standards.
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Conservation Subdivision with Mixed-Use
5
Development Pattern Alternatives Corporate Limits Creek Corridor Wetland Mature Existing Conditions: 72 wooded, undeveloped acres at the Woodland
1
School
2
60’ x 120’ Lots 50’ Buffer Open Space
Greenway / Wildlife Corridor Conservation Subdivision: An overall density of 1 lot per 1.5 Park School
Open Space
3
100’ x 200’ Lots 50’ Buffer
Open Space
edge of an incorporated area and across the street from a school and adjacent to an expanding community presents an opportunity for non-traditional subdivision development and the preservation of open space (see below).
Greenway / Wildlife Corridor 60’ x 120’ Lots Park School
Open Space
Neo-traditional Subdivision: The overall density of 1 lot per .8 acres is obtained by clustering residential and commercial development on small lots adjacent to vehicular access and existing development. A limited number of larger lots provide a transition to preserved open space. Infrastructure is limited to integrated commercial and residential streets and alleys as opposed to being extended through the site. Open space is preserved intact. Strong pedestrian community connections are included in the illustration. PART 3c: Goals & Recommendations - Development Scenarios
acres, but individual lot square footage is 7,200 in order to preserve natural features and provide common open space. Development is not permitted within the creek corridor and lots are laid out to fit the topography maximize views into preserved open space from the road.
New Retail/ Office Space Minimum 5’ Sidewalk Connection to Existing Sidewalk
60’ x 120’ Lots 10’ Trail Open View to Wetlands
Open Lawn School
Boardwalk
Formal Entrance to New Development
Above: Potential entryway with pedestrian linkages to school and public open space for neo-traditional subdivision.
Adopted 05/19/2009
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Part 4:
Implementation Toolbox
Implementation Toolbox
Introduction A plan is only as good as its effectiveness to implement the recommendations that are contained within. The intent of this section is to establish a clear path to fulfill the vision proposed in this plan. This section initially describes a number of implementation tools in detail as a basis for understanding the recommendations of the plan. Recommendations are organized by both subject and corridor location. Agencies having the capacity and the responsibility to carry out the various tasks are identified along with a time frame, and relative priority for each recommendation. Porter County is fortunate to have many of the tools and procedures in place to implement this plan. There is a growing land use ethic in the community and region that embraces many of the smart growth and ecological concepts that the corridor plan proposes. The recommendations in this section are based largely upon public input gathered during the preparation of the plan along with guidance from a project steering committee. It is in this spirit of public discourse that this plan was prepared.
Economic Development Tools Redevelopment Commission The Porter County Redevelopment Commission is a separate entity that perform functions exclusively for and by authorization of the County. It operates primarily in designated redevelopment areas to enhance the economic redevelopment of the county. The Redevelopment Commission has the ability to address the conditions associated with deterioration and the under-utilization of land and/or barriers to development. In Indiana, per IC 36-7-14-3, the 5 or 7 member Redevelopment Commission can create taxing districts, which encompass the entire municipality, for the implementation of redevelopment plans and special projects. The commission shall investigate and determine the boundaries of redevelopment areas. This is an effective mechanism to use where market-rate projects are desired but special assistance such as in the assembly of land is needed to provide maximum potential benefit to the community. The redevelopment commission also has the ability to acquire properties from non-profit or government104
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funded agencies and often provide local funding for the development of affordable housing. Land acquired may be transferred to another entity for development, such as a housing authority, non-profit, or Community Development Corporation (CDC). The property may be unimproved or in some cases, the Commission may provide hazardous material or contaminated site cleanup or new infrastructure (curb and gutter, underground utilities) to enhance the property’s appeal prior to redevelopment.
Tax Incentives The Commission has the authority to use incentives as tools to induce development to locate or expand within the community. Incentives include the use of tax abatement and tax increment finance. In a global economy, tax abatement is often necessary to compete with other localities for job creation. Tax abatement is an affirmation of confidence in a business by the community. Tax abatement is expected to result in a larger community tax base by attracting new businesses and jobs. In the long run this will increase available tax funds for community infrastructure improvements and growth. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a widely used economic development tool throughout Indiana. Tax increment is the property tax revenues collected for a specific period of time on the increased assessed valuation of property in the area to be redeveloped or developed. Tax increment financing not only permits the acquisition of property for purposes of redevelopment or economic development, but also provides another means for communities to finance infrastructure improvements in a redevelopment area or an economic development area. Other redevelopment strategies that may be appropriate for subject corridors include competitive or targeted industry studies if there is a clear cluster of similar and supportive businesses, and also brownfield development programs for sites that may contain contaminated materials.
Transportation Management Tools Traffic Access Management Plan The implementation of an Access Management Plan would provide a proactive approach to minimizing the number of vehicular access points on a corridor while still providing for the proper access needed to serve
Porter County Corridor Plan
Implementation Toolbox
future development. INDOT has created an Access Management Guide which provides access strategies for INDOT roadways. The guide is located at http:// www.in.gov/indot/5614.htm. Although INDOT has control of access along their roadways, local decisions can still affect the locations of access points. Therefore, the strategies listed in INDOT’s guide can also be used by the County to manage access decisions along each of the study corridors in coordination with INDOT. An access plan may be formally adopted into the County’s comprehensive plan. INDOT’s access guide provides model ordinances that can be used as reference. An access plan along one of the study corridors would include the following objectives: 1. Coordinate development plans with INDOT and County road agencies. 2. Identify the locations of existing traffic signals and the preferred locations for future traffic signals. 3. Identify the existing property boundaries for the parcels of vacant land along the corridor. Indicate the anticipated land uses of each property based on existing or future zoning. 4. Locate future access drives along the corridor by following best practice guidelines such as the following: • In order to maximize through traffic progression along the corridor, locate traffic signals so that they are evenly spaced and no less than 1300 feet apart. • Minimize access drives along the corridor by providing access to the secondary roadways which already have access to the corridor. This will also minimize the number of traffic signals along the corridor. (Figure 1: Limited Access Alternatives) • Encourage cross-connection between developments in order to share access drives, thereby minimizing the number of drives. • All intersections/ drives should be spaced so that vehicle queue lengths at each intersection do not extend back into the functional area of the downstream intersection/ drive. • All intersections/ drives should be spaced so that vehicle queue lengths in the turn lanes do not extend into the through lanes. In addition, proper deceleration distance (the distance PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
needed for a vehicle to slow down to a stop while in the turn lane) should be provided when needed (usually in rural areas with higher posted speed limits). • It is ideal to have land uses with a high volume of heavy truck traffic (slow moving vehicles) enter and exit the corridor via signalized, 4-way stop, or roundabout controlled intersections versus one-way stop or two-way stop controlled intersections. This is especially ideal along corridors with high traffic volume. In addition, the travel paths of passenger vehicles and truck traffic within the site should be separated by proper site design when possible such as the use of separate access drives for truck loading. • For unsignalized access drives that are not controlled with a roundabout or 4-way stop, it is ideal to have a T-intersection (one-way stop control) versus a two-way stop control. This will minimize the number of conflicting movements that a driver must negotiate while traversing through the unsignalized intersection. However, this requires that more attention be paid to the intersection spacing as Figure 1: Limited Access more access Alternatives points may be needed to 1 Preferred serve development along both sides of the corridor. An access plan would represent a guideline for access control and locations. However, fluctuations in market forces could change the assumptions that were made to determine the plan. Significant variance from these assumptions should then be evaluated as development plans are submitted for review to determine whether the
2 Somewhat Preferred
3 Not Preferred
Source: Center for Urban Transportation Research, Ten Ways to Manage Roadway Access in Your Community (1998).
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access plan should be revised based on the changed traffic impact. The submittal of a Traffic Impact Study in conjunction with the development plan will ensure that proper accessibility is provided for new developments while maintaining the objectives of the access plan.
Traffic Impact Study INDOT typically requires the submittal of a Traffic Impact Study for development along their roadways. This is a specialized study of the traffic impact that a proposed development has on the adjacent roadway system. INDOT has a set of guidelines titled “Applicant’s Guide to Traffic Impact Studies” and “Reviewer’s Guide to Traffic Impact Studies”. These guidelines list the recommended steps for preparing and reviewing a traffic study including the typical development size thresholds that would warrant a study. The objectives of a Traffic Impact Study are as follows: 1. To assess the existing traffic operations of the adjacent roadway system within the vicinity of a proposed development and identify improvements that are needed to mitigate any existing deficiencies. 2. To project the future traffic operations of the adjacent roadway system for the horizon year (design year) without the proposed development and identify improvements that are needed to mitigate any deficiencies. 3. To project the traffic impact to the adjacent roadway system that is due to the proposed development and identify improvements that are needed to mitigate the proposed development traffic. 4. To determine the proper locations, spacing, traffic control and lane configuration of the access drives that are needed to serve the proposed development and maintain proper traffic flow operations along the adjacent roadway system. 5. To provide decision makers with a basis for assessing the traffic implications of approving proposed zoning changes and development applications. 6. To provide a basis for estimating the “fair share” cost of roadway system improvements that are needed to mitigate the traffic impact of the proposed development. 106
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The County currently does not require developers to prepare a traffic study when submitting development plans. However, the requirement of a Traffic Impact Study submittal along with the implementation of an Access Management Plan will ensure that the transportation objectives of the study corridors are met while providing proper access for proposed developments. A traffic study should typically be considered in conjunction with the application for approval of any of the following: • • • • • •
Zoning changes Subdivision platting Site plan Building permit or Improvement Location Permit Driveway (access) permit Comprehensive plan amendments requested by the developer
Transportation Safety Plan The implementation of a Transportation Safety Plan would provide a proactive approach to improving safety along the study corridors and would include the following objectives: 1. Continuously collect and summarize crash data at the intersections and roadway segments along the study corridors. 2. Rank the intersections/ segments based on several criteria such as total number of crashes, crash rate, crash type and crash result on an annual basis. 3. Based on the ranking, identify critical intersections/ segments for an in-depth Safety Analysis. 4. Perform an in-depth Safety Analysis of the identified critical intersections/ segments. The analysis should evaluate the intersection’s/ segment’s configuration and crash data in order to identify the probable causes of the crashes and to recommend safety improvements. Additional input should be obtained from local law enforcement officers, emergency medical responders and other safety stakeholders. 5. Implement safety improvements based on the in-depth analysis and input from safety stakeholders. Federal funding sources such as the Highway Safety Improvement Program are available which could be used to fund applicable improvements.
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6. Continuously monitor the crash data of the intersections/ segments after improvements have been made in order to evaluate the effectiveness of those improvements. The state currently has a similar program called the Strategic Highway Safety Plan. However, the state’s plan may or may not give priority to the intersections/ segments along the study corridors.
BMP’s can range from the use of constructed wetlands, green roofs, and retention ponds to rain gardens and vegetated swales (shallow depressions that collect water and permit gradual absorption) to slow the velocity of and to filter pollutants from stormwater runoff. Native plant material should be incorporated into these natural systems and should require less maintenance effort. Other benefits to integrating (BMPs) into new development projects are that they often are:
Lake Michigan, rolling topography, and forested areas provide scenic backdrops for northern Porter County, while agricultural land and the Kankakee River define the character of the southern county. There are many techniques, some of which are described below, that can mitigate the potential negative effects of development on these resources while protecting their economic value and enhancing the natural environment itself.
• Less expensive to install and maintain • Self-healing (does not require costly physical replacement of infrastructure in the event of damage to the runoff collection/filtration system) • Add value for people wanting to live in a healthy natural environments and increases monetary property value • May become recreational amenities • More readily permitted by regulatory agencies • Image enhancing for communities or companies wanting to be progressive or environmentallyfriendly • Integrated into the built and natural environments
Best Management Practices
What can a community do to promote or require Best Management Practices?
Sustainable Infrastructure Tools Rapid and poorly managed development may provide immediate required and short term benefits, but longterm sustainability is the goal.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are combination of conservation activities or measures or practices that may be used to reduce the discharge of pollutants in stormwater runoff or to mitigate the negative impacts of development on water ways or groundwater. Runoff occurs when rainwater strikes impervious surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, streets and sidewalks. The use of some type of BMP’s are mandated for new development or significant land disturbance in communities over a certain population. The on-site stormwater management measures may be structural on non-structural. The first step is source control. A mature woodland or forest is readily absorbent and has a high rate of evapotranspiration when compared to turf or any impervious surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
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• Review ordinances to ensure that alternative or innovative stormwater management practices are not prohibited • Reduce the amount of impervious pavement on streets and in parking lots through the use of landscaping • Permit alternative permeable pavement products such as paver blocks, porous concrete and asphalt and the use of aggregate inappropriate situations • Eliminate curbs on roads where not necessary for pedestrian safety so that runoff is filtered prior to recharging the groundwater • Construct a median swale on roads or landscape swale in a parking lot to retain and filter runoff • Increase setbacks between development and sensitive areas such as creeks and wetlands (see graphic on p. 51) • Encourage clustering of residential development to protect large swaths of environmentally sensitive habitat • Establish maximum parking requirements to reduce unnecessary paved areas
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• Provide incentives such as reduce permit processing time or lower stormwater taxes due to lower discharges
Green Highways Green Highways are corridors with watershed-driven stormwater management. A roadway maybe considered green if it is planned and conA bridge for wildlife use structed to prevent toxins from leaching into streams and rivers, recycles construction materials to prevent landfill usage, and employs cutting-edge technologies to protect critical habitats and ecosystems from the encroachment of highway infrastructure. An initiative called the Green Highways Partnership (GHP) is focused on ensuring that sustainability becomes the driving force behind infrastructure development. The initiative encourages: • Partnership development that integrates public/ private interests throughout federal/state transportation and regulatory/resource agencies, contractors, materials industry, trade associations, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations; • A recognition program that recognizes programs, projects, and activities that demonstrate excellence in pursuing Green Highways goals; and • Pilot projects that increase the visibility of creative solutions and inspire others to pursue green choices in surface transportation infrastructure. (More information: The Green Highway Partnership; http://www. greenhighways.org)
Agriculture Practices Agricultural practices are not only vital for food production, they also represent the inherent preservation of open space and rural character throughout the County. Small-scale farming operations, in particular, are a productive part of the economy, but also enhance the natural landscape through the use of fence rows and other untillable areas that provide wildlife habitats and refuges for native species, serve as windbreaks, reduce soil erosion, and provide vegetated buffers that
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function to cleanse runoff thereby enhancing water quality before it enters creeks and rivers. Community gardens are even smaller in size, but can benefit the community in several important ways such as providing opportunities for community involvement and development, education for both participating gardeners and general food harvesting education, opportunities for gardeners to pool resources such as tools or fertilizers, neighborhood beautification, preservation of green space, the creation of locally grown food, and reducing city heat. Community gardens could be created within subdivision common area, within parks, or on city/county-owned property.
Sustainable Land Development Tools Compact Development One of the principles of “sustainable development” (somewhat interchangeable with the concept of “Smart Growth”) is to “strengthen and direct development towards existing communities.” The application of this principle results in preserving open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical habitats. Another benefit is the efficient use of taxpayer dollars by establishing policies to encourage new development within or adjacent to existing development and public services. NIRPC’s Sensible Tools Handbook for Indiana, 2007, defines a compact development pattern as “the density or intensity of development.” Mixed-use communities can go one step farther to establish compact development that satisfies a growing need for a variety of lifestyle housing types. Benefits include: • Better air quality due to the reduction automobile emissions and less traffic congestion, both resulting from shorter or no automobile trips between land uses with close proximity to each other • Reduced income spent on personal transportation • Better health and quality of life resulting from walkable communities and increased convenience/ choice of retail/service/recreational opportunities • Commercial stability and vitality resulting from a close, permanent customer base
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• Increased personal safety due to more 24-hour activity from daytime businesses and residential units
Sustainable Building Standards The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SSI) includes guiding principles such as designing with nature and culture or providing regenerative systems as inter-generational equity, and various goals regarding soils, hydrology, vegetation, materials and resources, and human wellbeing. The SSI has set forth several guidelines and standards that will be used by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) in future LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating systems. Specific to community planning, the USGBC will be releasing a LEED program for neighborhood design (ND), expected to launch in summer/fall 2009. Objectives of the LEED-ND principles and accreditation include:
Municipal Airport Development Recommendations The Porter County Airport is an example of a area that might be targeted for a cluster of certain types of development. Because the airport is situated between two of the study corridors (US 30 and SR 2), strategies and development scenarios are included in this Plan for future development. 1. Coordinate with the Airport Zone Development Committee and ensure compatibility of the recommendations within both the Airport Zone Master Plan and this Corridor Plan. 2. Confine development to already existing nodes. Appropriately zone land for future airport growth. 3. Support efforts for “shovel-ready” sites for new industrial development near airport. 4. Create a strategy for land use proposed along US 30, south of Valparaiso.
• Reduced urban sprawl due to close proximity to existing town and city centers and transit access, re- and infill development
5. Encourage developers of large parcels surrounding the airport to be models for sustainable green development.
• Healthy living through walkable, vibrant, mixeduse neighborhoods with connections to nearby communities
6. Use design guidelines to ensure compact, welldesigned, sustainable development where anticipated along the US 30 corridor.
• Compact development patterns near or adjacent to existing development to minimize wildlife habitat fragmentation and to preserve areas for recreation
7. Encourage business campus master planning and design standards beyond the requirements of the Porter County UDO for the development of airport parcels.
• Increased transportation choice (walking, bicycling, etc.) and decreased automobile dependence
8. Encourage appropriate infrastructure at key locations and intersections, adjacent to rail lines, near the Airport and the Port to foster economic development.
• Potentially reduced development fees or waiting periods where local incentives for LEED-ND projects exist • Taking into account the needs of adjacent existing neighborhoods
9. Look for ways to integrate and provide for future motorized multi-modal opportunities (bus or train transit, heavy rail, airport).
• Higher residential and commercial tenancy rates due to rising demand for housing in highly walkable or transit-accessible areas (More information: The Sustainable Sites Initiative; www.sustainablesites. org)
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Implementation Toolbox Implementation Table Introduction / Clarification Implementation Agencies
Time Frame
Several different agencies have been assigned to the goals and recommendations previously listed in this Plan in order to provide more direct guidance for implementation. Agencies are broken into Lead Agencies and Supporting Agencies.
The following goals and recommendations have been assigned approximate time frames for the implementation of each recommendation. The time frames which may vary based on economic development influences and numerous other factors are:
Lead Agencies: NIRPC Northwest Indiana Regional Plan Commission PCPC Porter County Plan Commission PCPR Porter County Parks and Recreation PCCVB Porter County Convention / Visitors Bureau PCRC Porter County Redevelopment Commission PCHS Porter County Historical Society NIRBA Northwest Indiana Regional Bus Authority PCMA Porter County Municipal Airport AA Airport Authority ADZC Airport Development Zone Committee IM Individual Municipalities IR Individual Residents NPS National Parks Service (Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore) PCU Porter County Utility Companies Supporting or Coordinating Agencies: INDOT Indiana Dept. of Transportation IDEM Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management DNR Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources PCHD Porter County Highway Dept. PCS Porter County Surveyor PCEDA Porter County Economic Development Alliance RDA Regional Development Authority NIF Northwest Indiana Forum NGO Non-Governmental Organizations (includes several different agencies) SDCF Save the Dunes Conservation Fund
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• Short-Term Opportunities - Projects that could be undertaken immediately and/or implemented within a calendar year of the Corridor Plan’s adoption. • Mid-Term Opportunities - Projects that could be initiated within 1 - 3 calendar years of the Corridor Plan’s adoption. • Long-Term Opportunities - Projects that could be undertaken within 3 - 7+ calendar years of the Corridor Plan’s adoption. • Ongoing Opportunities - Projects that may require initial studies to determine their feasibility or may depend on other work prior to implementation. Such projects may also be implemented in a series of incremental steps involving numerous agencies or departments. These recommendations may go beyond the time frame of this Corridor Plan.
Priority Recommendations made throughout this corridor plan are assigned a level of priority in the following implementation table based on public input, steering committee review, and Plan Commission staff review.
Porter County Corridor Plan
Implementation Toolbox County-Wide Implementation RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
Encourage Existing and New Economic Opportunities Support Region-Wide Coordination Encourage cooperation between the County, cities, and town governments to implement their EO.1.1 economic plans and achieve desired development for their communities.
PCPC, IM, PCEDA
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
PCPC, PCCVB, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Support and further recreational opportunities along the Kankakee River recommended in the EO.2.2 Greenways and Blueways Plan for canoeing, kayaks, and the creation of river access points.
PCPR, NIRPC, IDNR
Long-Term
Low
Med
High
Support enhancing the economic opportunities of the Port of Indiana by including it as a tourist EO.2.3 attraction, enhancing existing public access and fishing, and developing proposals for an observation area or interpretation center.
PCCVB, PCEDA
Long-Term
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Increase Tourism Opportunities Develop a county-wide wayfinding signage
EO.2.5 program to direct visitors and residents to prominent destinations.
EO.2.1
Enable and promote the Indiana Dunes region in becoming a year round attraction.
PCCVB, NPS
Long-Term
EO.2.4
Capture or entertain through-traffic on the corridors through the preservation of scenic views.
PCPC, PCHD, PCCBV, INDOT
Mid-Term
PCPC
Mid-Term
Enhance the Quality of Life for Porter County Residents Review land use and zoning standards and revise
EO.3.3 to encourage a mix of compatible uses in key areas.
Promote passive recreation as an economic draw through the development of non-motorized EO.3.1 corridors, paths, greenways, and blueways, per the PCPR, NIRPC, DNR, INDOT recommendations in the Ped and Pedal Plan, 2005 and the Greenways and Blueways Plan, 2007.
Long-Term
Support agritourism in rural Porter County including organic farming, truck farming, farm PCCVB, PCEDA EO.3.2 stands, U-pick farms, and wineries. Use the American Countryside速 Farmers Market in Elkhart, Indiana as a model.
Mid-Term
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RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
Support Development Practices that will Encourage Economic Development and Community Investment Blend community and commerce by having people
EO.4.2 live, work, and shop in the same area (more local
PCPC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
PCRC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
NIRPC, NIRBA
Long-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
than transient). Utilize the County’s Redevelopment Commission
EO.4.6 as a way to revitalize existing, outdated, or incompatible development along study corridors. Include sustainable development practices in the
EO.4.1 design for new development to reduce long term costs and impacts. Provide transit opportunities from existing transit
EO.4.4 centers to the new health services complexes, retail and employment centers.
EO.4.5
Encourage the use of fiber optics and similar technology.
Create or form beautification or maintenance associations to provide maintenance of landscaped PCEDA, PCCVB, PCPC EO.4.7 elements and to ensure adherence to other development or design standards.
Short-Term
Investigate opportunities for health care facilities and the secondary support industries and services EO.4.3 that accompany health care development. Identify locations that are best suited for this type of regional development.
PCEDA, PCPC
Long-Term
Maintain or improve the levels of service of US 6, Meridian Road, SR 49 south of Valparaiso, and SR 2 east of Valparaiso by limiting access, widening right-of-way (ROW), creating grade separations at railroad crossings and traffic calming techniques where appropriate.
PCPC, PCHD
Long-Term
SF.1.2
Explore opportunities for a N-S connector within mid-western Porter County.
PCPC, PCHD
SF.1.3
Implement the standards in the UDO requiring individual tracts along the highways without clearly defined access to tie into side streets or rear PCPC access roads as new development occurs in order to preserve the aesthetic benefits provided by the greenbelt.
Enhance Corridor Safety and Function Improve the Safety and Efficiency for Vehicles
SF.1.1
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Mid-Term
Mid-Term
Porter County Corridor Plan
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RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
NIRPC, PCPR, PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term / Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Continue to support the proposed DunesKankakee Trail. (Refer to the official study for more information)
NIRPC, PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term / Ongoing
Low
Med
High
SF.2.3
Develop a county-wide “Complete Streets� policy and create design standards to be adopted as part of the Porter County UDO.
NIRPC, PCHD, PCPC
Mid-Term / Ongoing
Low
Med
High
SF.2.4
Look for ways to integrate and provide for future motorized multi-modal opportunities.
NIRBA, NIRPC, PCPC, PCMA
Mid-Term / Ongoing
Low
Med
High
SF.2.5
Provide varied facilities for bike travel. A signed bike route (shared road facility) appeals to a more serious, experience rider, however a multi-use path separated by landscaping and setback a safe distance from the travelway is appropriate for other cyclists and pedestrians.
PCCVB, PCPR, NIRPC, PCPC
Mid-Term / Ongoing
Low
Med
High
SF.2.6
Provide multi-community bus service that links the airport to residential and commercial areas, employment centers, health care facilities and recreation areas, and other inter-community modes of transportation.
PCMA, NIRPC, NIRBA, PCPC
Mid-Term / Ongoing
Low
Med
High
SF.2.7
Work with landowners towards a common goal of providing continuous trail systems.
NIRPC, PCPR, PCPC
Mid-Term / Ongoing
Low
Med
High
SF.1.4
Require shared driveway access to contiguous tracts.
PCPC
Mid-Term
SF.1.6
Continue support for the County policy to improve or widen roadways based solely on the safety needs, and not primarily due to traffic congestion.
PCPC
Mid-Term
SF.1.7
Embrace innovative safety technology by encouraging the use of new technology to enhance safety such as code enforcement, photography, GPS wayfinding, TMS program, and intelligent traffic systems (movement sensors, etc.).
PCPC
Short-Term
SF.1.5
Work with INDOT to designate which corridor sections are better developed as rural or urban cross-section.
PCPC, INDOT
SF.2.1
Incorporate and accommodate pedestrians and cyclists by providing walking paths and bicycle trails that connect residential neighborhoods with schools and parks, especially on Meridian Road and SR 49 north of Valparaiso.
SF.2.2
Support Multi-Modal Use of the Study Corridors
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RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
Support Corridor Improvements that Increase Safety for Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Wildlife
SF.3.1
Implement a Transportation Safety Plan along each of the study corridors. This will provide a proactive PCPC approach to improving the safety along the corridors through annual evaluation of reported vehicular crashes.
Mid-Term
SF.3.2
Perform a Safety Analysis of the critical intersections/ segments as identified in the Transportation Safety Plan. The analysis should evaluate the intersection’s/ segment’s configuration and crash data in order to identify the probable causes of the crashes and to recommend safety improvements.
PCPC
Mid-Term
SF.3.4
Create bold pedestrian or bicycle crossing treatments such as the “Z” crossing, that increases driver, pedestrian, and cyclist awareness.
PCPC, PCHD, INDOT
Short-Term
SF.3.3
Consider the incorporation of wildlife corridor tunnels or overpasses for improvements to corridors. These land bridges allow wildlife to move freely between natural habitats without the segregation of interstates and highways.
NIRPC, INDOT, PCHD, PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Promote Balanced Development and Growth Patterns Promote Smart Growth Throughout the County Promote compact growth patterns by encouraging new development adjacent to existing urbanized DG.1.1 areas where there are existing or available utilities and infrastructure.
PCEDA, PCCVB, PCPC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
PCEDA, PCPC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
PCPC, IM
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Discourage checkerboard or leapfrog development
DG.1.2 patterns; focus on forms of development nodes as opposed to strips along corridors.
DG.1.3
Coordinate monthly with incorporated jurisdictions to review development proposals.
Achieve a Balance Between the Built and Natural Environment Encourage appropriate measures to preserve,
DG.2.1 enhance, and protect natural resources and
NIRPC, PCPC, SDCF
Mid-Term
PCPC, SDCF
Mid-Term
habitats. Encourage stormwater best management practices (BMPs) such as alternative drainage methods, DG.2.3 for new development in order to preserve and enhance the water quality of the County’s waterways.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
Work with developers to provide shared
DG.2.4 stormwater facilities where applicable and
PCPC
Mid-Term
PCPC
Mid-Term
PCPC
Mid-Term
PCPC, IDNR
Short-Term
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
beneficial.
DG.2.5
Create a county-wide stormwater management board to manage and fund BMPs.
Create guidelines to develop study corridors as “Green Corridors” with BMPs for stormwater DG.2.6 filtration, landscape buffers between the corridor and potential adjacent development, and green bridges for wildlife crossings.
DG.2.9
Encourage green (environmentally conscious) building and development techniques.
Work closely and early with INDOT to ensure that all recommendations or improvements to DG.2.11 corridors are context sensitive, especially regarding PCPC, INDOT interchanges or other structural improvements to roadways.
DG.2.2
Ensure new development supports designated greenways and blueways.
Ongoing
PCPR, NIRPC, PCPC
Ongoing
PCPC, NIRPC
Mid-Term
PCPR, PCPC, NIRPC
Short-Term
Encourage the use of native plants in landscape buffers. Amend the UDO to permit buffers of all native deciduous hardwood species if that is what DG.2.12 is indigenous to the area. Require denser spacing and a combination of understory and canopy species to maintain effective screening.
PCPC
Ongoing
Promote environmental / water quality awareness by providing identification for each waterway crossing and watershed along roadways and by DG.2.10 activities such as stenciling drainage inlets with the message “Drains to Lake Michigan” or “Drains to Kankakee River”.
PCU, SDCF, PCPC
When recommending preservation of natural areas include detailed recommendations with DG.2.7 regard to funding, ownership, and maintenance, such as “no-mow” policies for certain landscape types.
DG.2.8
Promote the preservation and creation of open space networks.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
Encourage Appropriate Land Usage Patterns Encourage redevelopment of existing urban cores and compact nodes. Consider updating the County DG.3.2 Future Land Use Plan to identify areas of preferred PCEDA, PCPC, PCRC development or redevelopment and guide development to these areas
DG.3.4
Develop policies and regulations that discourage over-commercialization of the corridors.
Create a strategy for the reuse of land such as greyfields and brownfields with potential for DG.3.3 hazardous or negative impacts such as abandoned landfills, quarries, etc.
DG.3.1
Encourage preservation of prime agricultural lands in the county.
Ongoing
PCPC
Mid-Term
PCPC, PCEDA, PCRC
Mid-Term
PCPC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Manage the Interface Between Transportation and Land Use Implement an Access Management Plan (using INDOT guidelines) along each of the study corridors in order to take a proactive approach to minimizing the number of access points while still DG.4.4 providing for the proper access needed to serve future development. The County should also require developers to submit a Traffic Impact Study to ensure that the proposed development meets the objectives of the Access Management Plan.
PCPC
Mid-Term
DG.4.1
Focus more intense development patterns near transportation infrastructure.
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
DG.4.2
Encourage transit-oriented or transit-ready development in the vicinity of transit systems.
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
Encourage the extension and development of infrastructure at key locations and intersections, DG.4.3 adjacent to rail lines, near the airport and port to foster economic development.
PCPC, PCU, PCEDA
Ongoing
Create guidelines to determine when a Traffic Impact Study (using INDOT guidelines) should be submitted to the County for proposed developments along the study corridors. The DG.4.5 required studies will ensure that the transportation objectives for the study corridors are met while providing proper access for proposed developments.
PCPC
Short-Term
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RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
Celebrate the Unique Identity and Character of Each Corridor Support Efforts to Enhance the Pride, History, and Unique Aspects of County Corridors Low
Med
High
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC, PCHS, NIRPC, IM
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.1.2
Honor prominent events or persons by renaming corridors and placing historical interpretive markers at significant locations.
PCPC, PCHD
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
ID.1.3
Provide signs along corridors that designate creek or wildlife crossing signs, promote environmental awareness and agritourism.
PCCVB, PCPC, PCEDA
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.2.1
Create county-wide wayfinding signage that will aid residents and tourists to find significant destinations. Consider illustrating the individuality of specific corridors and localities.
PCCVB, PCPC, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.2.2
Consider speed, building setback, etc., as factors that influence the size of signs. This would help reduce visual clutter and keep more from proliferating.
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.2.3
Work with all governmental entities and local businesses to determine standards for commercial signage that are appropriate to the character of each roadway and the surrounding land uses.
PCPC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
ID.1.4
Encourage unique, corridor specific gateway treatments.
PCPC, PCEDA, PCCVB
Mid-Term
ID.1.5
Create a brand for the county by identifying a theme that portrays the County’s desired image and captures the essence of the County from the lake to the river.
PCCVB, PCPC, PCEDA
ID.1.1
Combine results and recommendations from previous studies, such as cultural, historic, and environmental studies, as a basis for county-wide transportation enhancements.
Address Signage Throughout the County
Visually Enhance Corridors and Enforce the Maintenance of Corridor Enhancements ID.3.3
Utilize the County’s Redevelopment Commission to consider beautification or facade enhancement program for degraded areas.
PCRC, PCPC, PCEDA
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.3.6
Strengthen code enforcement efforts regarding unkempt property and dilapidated structures along corridors.
PCPC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.3.9
Create landscaped medians and swales along roadways that help control and filter stormwater runoff.
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
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RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
ID.3.7
Visually buffer less than desirable views from roadways through the use of vegetation screening or berms.
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.3.8
Work with INDOT to support requests that utility providers bury overhead utility lines or locate them at the rear of property in areas where a special character is desired.
PCPC, INDOT, PCU
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.3.4
Designate gateways as major or minor based on traffic volume and location in order to determine the character of treatments. Designs for either PCPC, PCCVB gateway type would incorporate similar elements such as welcoming and wayfinding signage, landscaping, lighting and public art. The difference would be in the scale of the improvements.
Mid-Term Low
Med
High
Implement corridor beautification through landscaping using native and indigenous plantings such as wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees adjacent to and in the medians of divided highways. Use a consistent theme of landscaping material on a specific corridor.
PCPC, PCCVB
Mid-Term Low
Med
High
ID.3.2
Develop a county-wide coordinated look for street signs, light standards, and signal poles.
PCPC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
ID.3.5
Initiate an “adopt-a-roadway, -interchange, or -median” program to allow gateway treatments to be created and maintained by corporate and local sponsors. Work with local business associations and investigate possible funding from businesses and/or the Chamber of Commerce.
PCPC, PCCVB, PCEDA
Short-Term Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
ID.3.1
Encourage Preservation of Rural and Natural Characteristics Encourage the use a native plants. Amend UDO to permit landscaped buffers that resemble oaksavannah or other naturally occurring landscapes. If evergreens are used, they should be native to the area. The effectiveness of screening would be based on the density of the mix of understory and canopy plantings.
PCPC
ID.4.5
Adopt a “no-mow” policy for certain roadside native landscape plantings.
PCPC, PCHD, INDOT
Mid-Term
ID.4.1
Preserve the rural character by supporting agricultural land preservation and conservation of natural features and environments.
PCPC, SDCF, NIRPC
Ongoing
ID.4.4
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RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
ID.4.2
Use new corridor development to strengthen park and recreational opportunities.
PCRC, PCPC, NIRPC
Mid-Term / Long-Term
ID.4.3
Apply the Scenic Road Overlay District designation to Meridian Road and to portions of SR 49 and US 6 that are not currently included in that zoning designation.
PCPC
Mid-Term
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PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
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Implementation Toolbox Corridor-Specific Implementation IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
SR 149 Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC, PCRC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Require protective buffers / setbacks between Salt Creek and new development through application of the standards in the UDO Watershed Overlay District
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Use native vegetation to satisfy required landscaping
PCPC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Protect waterways through cluster-style development using riparian buffers and development and design standards required by the UDO Watershed Overlay District, but beyond the applicability of the UDO
PCPC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Identify opportunities for County Park or trail creation (e.g. along Salt Creek or connecting to DNR property on 600N where fishing and possible canoe, etc. access exists)
PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Encourage stormwater BMPs for all new development in order to maintain and enhance the water quality in Salt Creek and other waterways
PCPC, SDCF, DNR
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Consider developing greenways along the creek corridors and wetlands
PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Include trailheads during any road improvement projects for the designated waterway access points identified by the Greenways & Blueways Plan
PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Promote compact development at nodes, not in strips
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
Continue to explore options for a southern extension of SR 149
PCPC, INDOT
Ongoing
Apply the existing corridor overlay standards from the UDO to new development
PCPC
Ongoing
Apply green highway techniques (see “Green Highways”, p. 108) for any highway construction due to creek proximity
PCPC, INDOT, PCHD
Mid-Term
Review the effectiveness of current County ordinances with regard to buffering and other visual separations
PCPC
Short-Term
Limit development on SR 149 in the vicinity of US 6 where Salt Creek closely parallels the roadway
PCPC
Mid-Term
Limit development between CR 600N and CR 700N to preserve agricultural land and the continuation of the Salt Creek corridor
PCPC; PCEDA
Work with the South Haven Homeowners Association to enhance buffering and to ensure that the neighborhood matures in a positive manner
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IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC, PCHD
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Preserve the distinct and unique characteristics of Meridian Road between Chesterton and Valparaiso. Require new commercial development to adopt a “Village Center� concept which reflects the character and scale of the area. The addition of a residential component is key to create a village feel and support retail uses where appropriate
PCPC
Mid-Term Low
Med
High
Require the use of native planting for new landscaping
PCPC
Low
Med
High
Place signage on roadway at creek crossing to increase awareness
PCPC, SDCF, NIRPC
Short-Term
Apply access management standards included in the UDO to Meridian Road
PCPC
Mid-Term
Designate specific nodes for new development near existing development where utilities are readily available
PCPC, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Develop an environmental checklist to use for development plan review
PCPC
Short-Term
Limit commercial retail and business development to a compact node at the intersection of US 6 and Meridian Road
PCPC, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Develop a trail alignment for pedestrians and cyclists to safely connect residential and commercial development, schools, parks and employment centers on Meridian Road. Provide sidewalks and visible crosswalks
PCPC, PCHD, PCPR
Mid-Term
Consider reduced scale signage that is more compatible with desired character
PCPC
Mid-Term
Apply the Scenic Roadway Overlay District to Meridian PCPC Road
Mid-Term
Provide incentives and bonuses for conservation subdivision development
PCPC
Mid-Term
Establish a maximum square footage for commercial development in order to maintain neighborhood character
PCPC
Provide enough right-of-way to safely accommodate vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic without compromising the natural setting
Meridian Road
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Implementation Toolbox
RECOMMENDATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
TIME FRAME
Require the preservation of plant material within 50 feet of Meridian Road right-of-way to maintain habitat and natural look
PCPC, PCHD
Mid-Term
Provide a rural cross-section with wide paved shoulders (e.g. “Super Two-Lane”) where appropriate
PCPC, PCHD
Mid-Term
Add Meridian Road as a “shared roadway” for bikes
PCPC, PCCVB
Mid-Term
Provide safe pedestrian crosswalks
PCPC, PCHD
Mid-Term
Incorporate roundabouts into road design as alternatives to 4-way stops and signalized intersections
PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC, PCHD
Mid-Term
Work with the Parks and Recreation Department and local land conservation groups to identify areas for preservation and conservation. A land use category for Open Space, which is more descriptive than the Conservation or Agricultural /Rural designations, should be provided in the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan
PCPC, PCPR; SDCF
Mid-Term
Provide for and make public aware of wildlife crossings
PCPC, NGO (wildlife focus)
Mid-Term
Potential County Park at CR 9000N & Meridian Road
PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC
Incorporate signage that increases environmental awareness regarding the watershed, streams, creeks and woodlands
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Mid-Term / Long-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC, PCCVB, SDCF
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Promote compact development at specific nodes per the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan to enable preservation of natural areas
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Revise the Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map to identify the proposed hospital development and the extent of the supporting health care related businesses. Prioritize areas for development at the locations of the proposed hospital complexes
PCPC, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Encourage campus type design and development for hospital and supporting health-related businesses
PCPC, PCEDA
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Require tree preservation and conservation of the existing landscape. Incorporate the existing land form into the large parcel development and minimize grading and tree removal
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
SR 49 (North)
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IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
Coordinate the creation of the Dunes-Kankakee Trail from Dunes State Park to the Porter County Fairgrounds with other roadway improvements
PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Apply the Arterial Roadway Overlay District to SR 49 to ensure consistency in character and high quality development
PCPC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Consider applying the Scenic Roadway Overlay District to portions of SR 49
PCPC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Support the growth of SR 49 as an Economic Development Corridor. Limit the occurrence of small- or medium-scale commercial uses and instead focus on the development of regional mixed-use employment centers in corporate/campus type settings
PCPC, PCEDA
Mid-Term Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Require that the construction of a multi-use trail on SR 49 from Dunes State Park to the Porter County Fairgrounds PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC, INDOT be included in development plan proposals for projects. (See Dunes-Kankakee Trail Plan)
Mid-Term
Create the SR 49 “Green Corridor� by encouraging large parcel development to share stormwater detention facilities and to incorporate best management practices which may become an amenity to the development and the community.
PCPC, DNR, SDCF
Mid-Term
Ensure that major roadway improvements are context sensitive and contribute to enhancing the county image
PCPC, NIRPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Define treatment for possible grade separated interchanges on SR 49 that includes context sensitive solutions and maintains continuous pedestrian and bicycle travel
PCPC, INDOT, NIRPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Provide appealing gateway treatments in northern Porter County to draw visitors and tourists from the lake edge into central Porter County and a minor gateway where SR 49 crosses the Kankakee
PCPC, PCCVB, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Analyze safety and existing/ future traffic operations at the intersection of SR 49 at US 6 and CR 600N to recommend improvements.
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
SR 49 (South) Apply the Arterial Roadway Overlay District standards in the UDO which limits vehicular access from individual lots directly onto highways
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RECOMMENDATIONS
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Per the Greenways and Blueways Plan, provide access points to the Kankakee River
PCPC, PCPR
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Interested landowners should consider agricultural land preservation techniques such as those included in Appendix C: Agricultural Preservation (p. 145)
IR, PCPC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Pursue the continuation of the American Discovery Trail along the abandoned rail corridor. Work with property owners to secure easements. Provide connections back to county roads where access is limited or prohibited
PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC, PCHD
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Promote agritourism with coordinated sign program and literature to celebrate the agricultural heritage in the southern part of Porter County
PCPC, PCCVB
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Provide design standards for minor subdivisions and small commercial uses, carved from agricultural land
PCPC
Mid-Term
Coordinate with the town of Kouts regarding their annexation goals
PCPC, IM
Short-Term
Work with local utility districts to coordinate future infrastructure improvements as a tool to guide future development
PCPC, PCU
Short-Term
Work with the town of Kouts to update its land use policies and ordinances to reflect county-wide goals
PCPC, IM
Mid-Term
Consider a conservation subdivision type layout that helps create networks of open space in the community
PCPC, PCPR
Mid-Term
Protect expansive viewsheds by encouraging the clustering of development and conservation subdivision development that conserves farmland and prohibits view obscuring strips of development along county roads.
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Encourage compact urban development within or adjacent to the Town of Kouts
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
Consider developing an urban/town fringe overlay district with development and design standards to ensure compatibility
PCPC, IM
Select a preferred alignment for the American Discovery Trail and incorporate its design and construction into all new development plans
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IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS Develop signage that can be used for agritourism, historic and cultural interpretive opportunities (e.g. Ft. Tassanong) blue and greenway access points, etc.
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY
PCPC, PCCVB, PCHS
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Upgrade SR 6 from SR 149 to SR 49 to a “Super TwoLane” road. Focus on visibility, efficiency, and safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Apply and enforce (along the entire length of US 6) the UDO’s Arterial Roadway Overlay District development and design standards which address site layout, orientation to the street, on and off-site access, landscaping and buffers, architectural design, and signage
PCPC
Mid-Term Low
Med
High
Focus on visibility, efficiency, and safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at the intersection of US 6 & CR 200W
PCPC, INDOT
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Focus new growth at nodes near existing development, where utilities have been provided such as near South Haven at SR 149, CR 200W and SR 49 or within incorporated areas.
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Coordinate the provision of sewer and water utilities by the local providers
PCPC, PCU
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Manage access for new development. Develop agreements with existing property owners to tie into new shared access when it is developed
PCPC, INDOT
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Acquire additional right-of-way for US 6 west of SR 49 that permits safe travel for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Consider an off-road multi-use trail which connects major points
PCPC, INDOT, NIRPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Create standards which support the protection of stream corridors (Squirrel, Salt and Coffee Creeks), wetlands, and woodlands that remain
PCPC, SDCF, DNR
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Create a Neighborhood Retail / Village District with accompanying design and development standards for development that may occur at the Meridian Road intersection to maintain the rural/natural character while permitting limited economic development to serve the residential population
PCPC, PCRC
Mid-Term Low
Med
High
Work with the Portage Planning Department regarding annexation intentions and to create a plan for the transition from city to county development
PCPC, IM
Low
Med
High
US 6
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Implementation Toolbox
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS
TIME FRAME
Provide roadside interpretive signage identifying US 6 as the Grand Army of the Republic highway (see Part 1: Introduction, “US 6”, p.14 for history). Create an interpretive exhibit which describes the history of the highway. It could be incorporated into a new development parcel.
PCPC, PCCVB, PCHS
Create gateways into Porter County on US 6 at the eastern border with Portage and with LaPorte County
PCPC, PCCVB, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Create opportunities and incentives for infill and redevelopment
PCPC, PCRC
Short-Term
PCPC
Mid-Term
PRIORITY
Short-Term Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
SR 130 Establish guidelines for potential growth that may occur at the intersection SR 149 & SR 130
Develop an Area Plan for Wheeler to support compact PCPC, PCRC growth and development goals
Ongoing
Coordinate with Valparaiso Planning Department regarding their annexation intentions and future development proposals on the urban fringe
PCPC, IM
Short-Term
Explore infill and redevelopment opportunities in the vicinity of Wheeler
PCPC, PCRC
Mid-Term
Continue to investigate opportunities for a southern extension of SR 149
PCPC, INDOT
Ongoing
Protect the artesian wells located between Jones Road and CR 475W, wetlands along SR 130, and the salt creek watershed
PCPC, SDCF, DNR
Ongoing
Enhance the town center character for Wheeler
PCPC, PCRC
Mid-Term
Provide wayfinding signage for destinations such as the Town of Wheeler and the Conservation Club
PCPC, PCCVB
Short-Term
Explore alternative land uses for the former Waste Management Landfill site such as a park or other public use
PCPC, PCRC, PCPR
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Identify nodes for development where utilities are readily available along SR 130, and analyze safety and future / existing traffic operations at SR 149 & SR 130
PCPC, PCEDA, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Upgrade rail crossings and approaches for enhanced safety as development occurs
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
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IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS Mitigate the impact of or to the Norfolk Southern or Canadian National Railroads
PCPC, INDOT
TIME FRAME Mid-Term
Create a signage program to identify creeks, other tributaries, wetlands, and other waterways to increase PCPC, PCCVB, SDCF public awareness
Short-Term
Apply major / minor gateway treatment at County line
Mid-Term
PCPC, PCCVB, PCEDA
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Investigate the creation of an off-road multi-use path PCPC, NIRPC, INDOT, PCPR, from Valparaiso to Hobart within the right-of-way of SR 130. (recommended in the NIRPC Ped & Pedal Plan IM (Valparaiso) 2005)
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Buffer development with close proximity to Salt Creek and provide access / launch points per the Greenways PCPC, PCPR, NIRPC and Blueways Plan
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Explore alternative land uses for the old Langrebe site
PCPC, PCRC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Continue to apply the goals of the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan and to enforce the UDO Arterial Roadway Overlay District
PCPC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Confine development to already existing nodes
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Use design guidelines to ensure compact, welldesigned, sustainable development where anticipated along the US 30 corridor
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Appropriately zone land for future airport growth
PCPC, ADZC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Create a strategy for land use proposed along US 30, south of Valparaiso
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Coordinate future land use plans with the City of Valparaiso’s plans for annexation. Coordinate land use policies and design guidelines
PCPC, IM
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Apply appropriate access management standards for new development to maintain levels of service
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Coordinate with the Airport Zone Development Committee and ensure compatibility of the recommendations within thin both the Airport Zone Study and this Corridor Plan
PCPC, ADZC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Evaluate the potential for a new northern entrance to the airport area
PCPC, ADZC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
US 30
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RECOMMENDATIONS
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
PCPC, PCRC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Encourage developers of large parcels surrounding the airport to be models for sustainable green development
PCPC, ADZC
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Adopt strategies in the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan and through ordinances to minimize congestion and limit multiple, direct vehicular access to and from US 30
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
For proposed unsignalized access to major corridors, require offset “T” intersections for developments occurring on opposite sides of a major corridor to increase the safety of drivers crossing the major corridor.
PCPC, INDOT
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Provide safe non-motorised access on and across US 30 in designated areas
PCPC, NIRPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Consider a strategy for improvements to Joliet Road which is frequently used as a more direct connection from US 30 to the north side of Valparaiso.
PCPC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Analyze safety and existing/ future traffic operations at the intersection of US 30 and Hayes Leonard Road to recommend improvements
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Conserve agricultural lands east of Valparaiso
PCPC, IR
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Use roadside signage to interpret the designation of Joliet Road as the Lincoln Memorial Highway
PCPC, PCCVB
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
PCPC
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Protect and enhance wetlands and other low-lying natural areas along US 30
PCPC, SDCF, DNR
Ongoing
Support efforts for “shovel-ready” sites for new industrial development near airport
PCPC, PCEDA, ADZC
Ongoing
Provide major gateway treatments at the east and west county boundaries of US 30.
PCPC, PCCVB, INDOT, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Encourage business campus master planning and design standards for the development of airport parcels
PCPC, ADZC
Consider the implementation of a reclamation ordinance for depleted sand mines or other mineral extraction.
SR 2 Consider requiring a Traffic Impact Analysis for areas where a significant amount of housing units, employment, educational, or commercial trips are created
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
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129
Implementation Toolbox
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Use traffic calming techniques on SR 2 within the corporate limits of Hebron
PCPC, INDOT, IM
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Limit development in flood prone areas and floodplains adjacent to the corridor
PCPC, DNR
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Require generous buffers and development setbacks to protect wetlands, wildlife habitat, etc.
PCPC, DNR
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Provide design standards for minor subdivisions and small commercial concerns, carved from agricultural land, which limits access by individual lots directly onto SR 2
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Enforce the Secondary Arterial Roadway Overlay District requirements
PCPC
Short-Term
Encourage Compact development adjacent to Hebron where utilities and services are available
PCPC, PCEDA, IM
Ongoing
Coordinate with the town of Hebron’s annexation goals
PCPC, IM
Ongoing
Work with the town of Hebron to update its land use policies and ordinances to reflect county-wide goals
PCPC, IM
Mid-Term
Limit potential growth to those areas adjacent to existing development and where utilities are readily available such as adjacent to Hebron
PCPC, PCEDA
Work with INDOT to employ access management standards for new development through the development approval process
Maintain scenic views through careful management of PCPC development
Ongoing
If desired by agricultural property owners, implement land preservation techniques contained in Appendix C: Agricultural Preservation (p. 145)
PCPC, IR
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Provide incentives such as density bonuses to encourage conservation subdivision layout to create networks of open space and preserve agricultural land
PCPC
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Create gateways into the county that express its unique identity on SR 2 and US 231
PCPC, PCCVB, INDOT, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Explore opportunities for county parks or river access in the area along the Kankakee River
PCPC, PCPR
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Anticipate development and create a strategy for obtaining desired growth for the intersections at SR 2 & 350S, SR 2 & CR 100S, SR 2 & CR 400E and SR 2 & 300N.
PCPC, INDOT
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
130
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Implementation Toolbox
IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
RECOMMENDATIONS
TIME FRAME
PRIORITY Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Low
Med
High
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
The Planning and Development departments of Kouts, Hebron and Porter County should meet regularly to PCPC, IM review and approve development proposals
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Develop policies to ensure compatibility between existing development and large livestock production development
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Investigate opportunities for trail connections between the proposed American Discovery Trail and the PCPC, NIRPC, PCPR Kankakee River.
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Work with trail advocacy groups to develop abandoned railroad line parallel to SR 8 as part of the PCPC, NIRPC, PCPR, IM American Discover Trail
Ongoing
Low
Med
High
Create minor gateway treatments which include wayfinding signage, public art, landscaping, etc., to enhance the image at entrances to the County
PCPC, PCCVB, INDOT, PCEDA
Mid-Term
Low
Med
High
Preserve and interpret sites with historic significance. Possibly incorporate into a County-wide tourism strategy
PCPC, PCCVB, PCHS
Short-Term
Low
Med
High
Preserve the rural atmosphere of applicable segments of SR 2 by promoting compact growth
PCPC, PCEDA,
Ongoing
Investigate opportunities for wayfinding signage and state historic identification markers throughout the county and along the Kankakee River
PCPC, PCCVB, PCHS
Short-Term
Identify and interpret historically significant sites including but not limited to the Historic Road-Old South Trail, Historic Indian / Buffalo Trail, etc.). Explore opportunities to create roadside interpretive exhibits
PCPC, PCHS, PCCVB
Short-Term
PCPC, PCEDA
Ongoing
Discourage high density residential major subdivisions with no proximity to retail, service, or employment PCPC, PCEDA centers Maintain the rural, small town atmosphere of Kouts and Hebron by promoting compact development adjacent to incorporated areas
SR 8 Preserve long range expansive viewsheds by limiting strip development adjacent to SR 8
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
PCPC, PCEDA, IM
PCPC
Adopted 05/19/2009
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Implementation Toolbox
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Part 5:
Appendix
Appendix Appendix A: Visioning Workshop Comments Visioning Workshop Comments SR 149 Corridor • Need river corridor protections at crossings (near Chesterton) • Good farm ground must be preserved (north of US 6) • Need a County park along Salt Creek (1 mile long linear park) • Beginning of City-created sprawl (near intersection with SR 130) • Good views along the corridor were mentioned • It was mentioned that Willow Creek Rd. is an alternative route to extend SR 149 south to US 30. Meridian Road Corridor • Deer crossings along this road are not conducive to increased traffic. • No more rezoning, keep it Rural Residential • This area was recently rezoned (north of US 6) and a new subdivision is getting put in, this road does not need more traffic and it is now a good road that people bike on • The northwest corner of US 6 and Meridian Road is a hazard to roadway safety; buildings should be demolished and visibility opened up • The intersection of US 6 and Meridian Street is difficult and would be the only change I would make to Meridian Road • Keep Meridian Road rural • Want No more traffic • The location of the County Park was noted • Natural water flow is not conducive to development, land/area already floods (southwest of US 6 and Meridian Road) • CR 700 N and CR 50 W intersection is very busy already • The location of the 49er Drive in Theater was noted • CR 700 N intersection with Meridian Road needs some kind of stop light or stop sign, very dangerous • Very Scenic, need TLC (North of CR 550 N) • City sewer and water is available, zoning
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should be R1 (southwest of Meridian Road and US 6 intersection) • Rezone to R-1, sewer and water available (southwest of Meridian Road and US 6 intersection) • Some stated that they didn’t agree with sewer/ water comment availability comment SR 49 Corridor • No Wal-Mart • Old SR 49 is now Calumet Avenue (change on base map) • Keep farmland; preservation • Planned future private recreation center expansion • Boo hospital location • Heavy drainage through here (northeast quadrant of SR 49 and US 6 intersection) • Community health Hospital site (zoning approved) • Porter Hospital in wrong place-not a good entrance or exit and down in a hole for drainage • No fast foods, etc., new proposed hospital? • Save all watersheds • Old abandoned landfill (south of US 6) • Will there be environmental impact statements done (NEPA)? • It was stated that all development downstream of the moraine needs to have drainage studies done • Dangerous intersection (CR 600 N & SR 49 – poorly designed) • Disappearing wildlife due to development • Wetlands migrating waterfowl (pileated woodpeckers) • Wetlands interspersed here • Old Growth forest-pileated woodpeckers • Disappearing wildlife due to development • Original Bartz Farmhouse and barn built 1895 • Disappearing wildlife due to development • Potholes • Save our land, save our water • Agriculture, keep it • Keep southern Porter County rural-no new illiana expressway • Fort Tassinong Site
Porter County Corridor Plan
Appendix Appendix A: Visioning Workshop Comments • Agriculture, keep it, no new developments • Should include a public access site, a boat launch site (Kankakee River) • Kankakee River basin historical findings US 6 Corridor • Despite good planners, this commercial district is poorly planned and contributes to congestion (at the edge of Portage City Limits) • Any future commercial development should stay in Portage • This community is why the Plan Commission was formed (Southaven) • Preserve rural areas • Dangerous intersections; hard to get out on highway, numerous accidents • Construction of high density subdivisions need to be disallowed • Sewer and water is only available north of US 6 and people south of US 6 do not want the land over developed (near CR 75 W) • This area floods (US 6 and CR 75 W) • This area zoned RR, needs to stay as such because of drainage issues and the character of the area • Rezone to R-1, sewer and water available (southeast of US 6 and CR 75 W) • Natural water flow is not conducive to development (southeast of US and Meridian Road intersection • Great vista (US 6 between Meridian Road and SR 49) • Some agriculture (good ground ) exists (east of Calumet Ave) • Getting too much commercial at this bad intersection (Calumet and US 6) • US 6 and Calumet Avenue-INDOT said that this is 1 of 100 most dangerous intersections in the state • Very scenic from CR 400 E to Calumet Ave (old SR 49) • Save all wetlands • Old Sunman Road-very scenic wetlands • US 6 is designated as the “Grand Army of the Republic Highway” • Old Sunman Road Art Barn Sunflower Festival • US 6 has major freight on it besides car
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
traffic • Old sprawl, needs containment and revision (near US 6 and CR 625 E) • Independent Cat Society-no kill animal shelter (near County line) • CR 200 W & Highway 6 – dangerous intersection • Keep railroad zoned • Verify conflicts regarding city sewer and water availability • Meridian and Highway 6 – building obstructing view, makes dangerous intersection • High traffic on US 6 - should have access roads if businesses happen; not multiple stop lights • CR 700 N between Meridian Road and SR149 not only should be preserved but cannot be widened due to natural waterways - comment: “I agree, we like in the country for a reason!” SR 2 Corridor • Historic Road-Old South Trail (the real one), near LaPorte County Line • Dangerous Intersection (CR 400 E and SR 2) • Porter County Animal Shelter, near Haevilin Road (looking at building new, larger shelter) • Developers are basically interested in making a bunch of money and don’t care about the quality of life in Porter County (near CR 100 W) • Aberdeen, award-winning subdivision • Aberdeen, used to be beautiful stable, now has many cars contributing to local congestion and pollution • Keep us rural, no more sprawl, no new expressways (near CR 100 S) • SR 2 and CR 100 S, Very dangerous intersection currently (5 points) • Development creates runoff, keep our well water clean • Numerous woods and wetlands that are crucial to quality of life; preserve them • Wonderful wooded and farm parcels and deer • Development has caused too much northsouth traffic on 500W, traffic during Boone
Adopted 05/19/2009
135
Appendix Appendix A: Visioning Workshop Comments
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Grove HS dismissal times creates dangerous congestion Runoff into Luddington ditch affects area wetlands Boone Grove High School (is located off CR 500 W) Designated wetland (near CR 250 S) Keep agricultural land throughout corridor Great agriculture along entire corridor-preserve it Preservation of large farm parcels (near CR 450 S and CR 500 S) Has some historic resources along it Hebron is becoming a young couple community Gateway to County Near Hebron Stagecoach Inn at Hebron is a point of interest LaSalle made 4 trips up and down Kankakee River New Township High School at CR 900 S Preservation of large farm parcels (south of Hebron) Flooding and wetland preservation near Kankakee River (US 231 near bridge) Kankakee River historical facts (US 231 bridge)
SR 130 Corridor • Need new laws to prevent city sprawl (near Lake County line) • Farms and farm ground must be preserved (near CR 600 N and CR 500 W) • Some special designation, artesian wells (between Jones Road and CR 475 W) • This road is a nice entryway that is surrounded by farmland and is a pleasure to drive, don’t ruin that • Beginning of City-created sprawl (near CR 375 W) • Natural wetlands, if you disturb it the area around will flood (Salt Creek bridge area) • Scenic area-many well lands (near Salt Creek) • Should not extend SR 149 (across SR 130 to US 30), instead develop Willow Creek Road corridor • Conservation Club and golf Course
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RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
• Scenic farmhouses • Need signage for streams, creeks and rivers to help increase awareness to public • Valpo Compost facilities (recycle facility) • Bad land usage (near Howe Street) • Concerned about billboards US 30 Corridor • Commercial is needed with R-3 buffer, then R-1 (near CR 750 W) • Zoned RR, sewer and water available (near CR 750 W) • Scenic (near CR 600 W) • Preserve and protect land and water resources, more pavement and development threaten these resources • Scenic (near CR 375 W) • Scenic (near CR 250 W) • Traffic nightmare lights need to be times better (near Valparaiso City limit) • Dangerous intersection, need left turn arrow (Hayes Leonard Road) • Lincoln Memorial Highway • Penn Perdue Farm, asset for agriculture • Save farmland (east of Valparaiso) • Preserve farmland growth from town outward (east of Valparaiso) • Farmland is a strength (east of Valparaiso) • Do not want US 30 to look like Merrillville SR 8 Corridor • Historic Stage Coach Inn (Hebron) • Historic Purple House (Hebron) • Preserve the farmland (near CR 500 W) • Keep the farmland (near CR 150 W) • Collier Lodge Archaeology Dig-Notre Dame (near Baums Bridge Road) • Growth from town out as needed is OK (Kouts) • Preserve the farmland (CR 500 E)
Porter County Corridor Plan
Appendix
Alc in
Unnamed 1050 1100
Flynn
Elm
Circle
Haskell
1150 600 564 575
County Line
450
Niles
1025
435
Illinois
Kaper
400 400
1100
Rigg 325 Laurelwood Pinehurst
1050
675 550
1050 County Road 650
500
County Road 575
1175
1100 County Road 600
1050
450
State Road 49
County Road 550
County Line
Heinold Ditch
368 350 300
195
600
Church
Mill
1100
United States Highway 421
Main
450
300
County Highway 1185
2100
400
1000
1000
2200
500
50
State Road 49
275
Brid ge Bau ms
B
Elk
625
Dodge 600
oad 2
ate R Old St
575
400 400
Ca in
49
United States Highway 421
575
Sundew 500
Northfield
325
Deerfield
Bartz
Silhavy
Ro ad St ate
l La u re
150
150
Smoke
125
Plain
475
650
325
300
500
Harvest
Old Suman
200
Kestrel State Road 49
Inverness
Shaker
Dove Mayfield
Sturdy
150 150
75 Meridian
County Road 50
200
LACROSSE
State Highway 8
! (
325
625
1050
1125
1125 2350
1050
300
500
County Line
250 150
Bloomingdale
ne
100
Smoke 100 100
175
150
225 250
575
! ( State Road 8
125 2400
200
County Line
350
550
1200
! ( ( ! (!
100
Riv er
1800
! ( ! ( 1050
Acorn
ak ee
1700
550
! (
! (
! (
1700
e
550
Murry 200
ra m
70
4th
Agape
Villa ge Cal um et
Summit Hem lock
Valparaiso
Crockett
Campbell
Linden
Marks
Elmhurst
Lafayette Franklin
Wayne
Was hingto n
Hear thsto
Sager
Heavilin
Ro Sta te
300
250
300
350
400
150
United States Highway 231
1014
Ross
1800
0 70
1600
nk
1600
1300
nk Ka
ak
ee
er Riv
1100
Ka
Randolph
! (
a sidewalk to connect Valpo to Chesterton Legend !Needs( ( ! This area was recently rezoned and a new subdivision is getting put in; this road does not need more traffic and it is now a good road that people bike on ! (Growing residential strip E-W for maybe 3 miles Public Workshop Notes
Opal
NaturalDeer Crossings along this road are not condusive to increased traffic
! (
Yorktown
811
Meridian
Stacy
Windsor
Stratford
Broadmoor
Elmwood Park
Windsor
Sun Valley
Winter Park
Tyson
! (
General
! (
Strength
! (
Weakness Abandoned Railroad
This area floods
Edmond
!Unattractive area - needs design standards ( Active Railroad ! ( needs redevelopment ! ( The NW corner of US 6 and Meridian is a hazard to roadway safety; buildings should be demolished and visibility opened up !6/Meridian ( vista ! ( - this intersection is difficult and would be the only change make to Meridian new development along 6 should have a service road ! (Great ! ! (AnyI would County Line !Needs( redevelopment; setting next to County Park ( ! This area zoned RR, needs to stay as such because of drainage issues and the character of the area. Other: "I agree" ( good for intersection development ! ( Rivers & Streams ! (County Park, Sunset Hill - destination Park (toCounty development - land/area already floods (Natural water flow is not conducive! Water Bodies !Rezone to R-1; sewer and water available ! ( Project Area ! (City sewer and water available; zoning should be R-1 ! (
Sewer and water is only available north of HW 6 and people south of HW 6 do not want this land over developed
125
Merganser
200
Canvasback
75
United States Highway 6 Dangerous intersections; hard to get out on hightway; numerous accidents Drake
nd
Vail Alpine
Lexington
Love la
Concord
Alta
Tanner
! (
1600
400
McKinley
Sauk
!Preserve Rural areas (
1500
1850
KOUTS
Daumer
1025
ek re C y b ob Ramse
1350
900
100
C
400
500
Fairoaks
850
WANATAH
650
400
! ( ! ( 1200 ! ( Dik
950
950
1000
1000
! (
Sto ne
! (
700
Jeflynn
1st Post
1400
! (
475
Union Warrrick
! (
! (
Earl Carrie United States Highway 30
Legion
150
Rillstone
! (
350
ch
! (
350
375
575
Quincy
Dit
Rustic Acres
to n
865
! (
State Road 2
150
100 Calum et
E p
31
Meridian
Alpine
50 50
Win ds or Yellowstone
Bogata
Thorna pple Maum ee
Sylvan
Braemar
325
50
11th
Sh atz Jade
Beauty Creek
Old Oak
Froberg 150
Skyline
Webbs ad
2
450
150
Cobb Creek
Fir
Main
Randolph
gle
! (
! (
Reif
! ( ! (
1200
Rain
! (
! ( ! (
200
in
Sin 173rd
750
Martin
No rb eh
! ( ! (
100
250
Elw
Run
! (
Bates Sigler
700
700 Corbly
860 870
100
Oak Breeze
550
650 670
Walter
Stony
Ryan
600
900
1000
Division
Nathan
! (
650
HEBRON 800
Fisher Pond Dog Lake (historical)
! (
325
! (
550
Alid a
200
! (
! (
( ! ( !
200
540
500
450
State Highway 2
600
500
County Line
! (
! (
350
15th
5th
25th
23rd
Pearson
50 100 Jane
Bernie
75
125
125 ate
Pri v
175
Kristen
oo
d
County Road 325
Deerpath
Timber
50
150 200
State Road 149
250 325
550
600
Yorktown
360
350
375
Devo n
350
Sh or ewoo Westche ster d
Gu ilf o rd
600
Brid le w
475 475
Dorchest er
550
695
Allegheny Springwood
675
725
Windy Oak
700
Hayes Leonard
ek re lC re
Sq u ir McCool McCool
Juniper
450 June
Olympia
500 550
5th Park 3rd 1st
675 650
725
64 1
687
656
700
675
al Te e's
Roy
Fo re st
County Line
Tower
Tonia
Truman
Austin
Crisman
Jefferson Samuelson
Clover
Hamstrom
Airport
500
Willowcreek
625 750
750 County Line
Erie
se Su nri
Kingsway
ch ton Dit Sin gle Union
157th
165th
Grand
Edith
Teresa
Wo od bine
Christy
Fern
675
Willow Creek
Swanson
Worthington 712
Lisa
4th
7th
Blueb ird
Swanson Iris Fern
Pryor
Willowdale
May
County Line
625
West Mill
Randolph
Vigo
Pike
Miami Montgomery
Destiny
Brown Brown Oakwood Engle
Warren
Wells Blake
Vermillion
Rush
Union
Shelby
Union
Hobart
Lincoln
Joann
Route 51
Edgewood
Knox
Ruta
Kelly
Michigan
Liberty Hobart
Indiana
State
Luther
Parke
State Road 51 Grand
Riv er ep De
Grand
Branch
Montgomery
31
1st
550
1100
y2
ek
n
hw a
30
County Road 425
450
Ludington Ditch
500
600
! (
Murvihill
hway
112
400
Main
500 500
800
! (
150
! (
400
Main
WESTVILLE
! (
300
300
350
Ida
Hig
Cre
Stony Run
Ru
Middle
ny
Sto
Sta tes
400
150
lip
Cou lter
! ( ! (
125
250
2
Am be r
! (! (
475
! ( ! (
142nd
145th
Un ite d
2 ad
ate
y Hw
700
en ce
County Road 375
450
! (
! (
Norcross
450
Unite d Sta tes Hig
Montdale Park
! (
County Roa d 100
! ( Southfield il Ph
fee Cof
k
re e
! (
e
Ro
Beechnut
! (
pe nd Inde
Redbow
Meadow Glen
36
te Sta
! (
! (
! ( ! (
Laporte
St Old
Lee, Lake
400
! (
700
525
! ( ! (
Comf Fron tag ord
Domke
! (
137th
! (! ( ! (
Clear Lake
725
St An dre
! ( ! (
400
300
900
! ( ! (
! (
125
I-80
I-80
200
Windmill
! (
700
Round Lake Snyder
125
950
830
500
! (
Evans
Harmel
! (
Martinal
lt C
( ! (!
en in g
County Road 600
! (
M o Penna Hill rthla nd
! (
! (
350
ood
Sagers Lake
Sunset
650
Powderly Cascade
Elm
nw
! (
250
! (! (
! ( Beech Wood ! ( Lincolnway Monroe Union ! (Li Union
Shasta
! ( ( ! ( !
McCord
ba s
! ( ! ( ( ! ! ( ! ( ! ( ! (
! (
150
! (
300
350
Bush
Sa
138
310
! (
Glendale
City View
! ( ! (
Chandana
Vale Park
Goodview
213
erry Log anb
tic
Rus
275
! (
ood lew Map
VALPARAISO
Factory West Ore
1050 G re
Trate
er nd Ma
Carlson Pond
Bulls-Eye Lake
Wall
Randle
Park
ek
ek
580
Cre
Big Bass Lake
! (
Hope
Cre
er
Trouthaven Lake Green, Lake on the
75 100
Roane
rs ve
De
70
Brandywine
! (
High
Calaveras
! (
Robin
Silver Lake
rison
en ing
1000
ek
County Road 300
Urban Burlington Beach
Sie
w ea do
Ransom
Sheffield
! ( ! ( ( ! ( !! ! ( ( ! ( Gal way ! (
y Hackne
Eliza, Lake
50
ie erb
38
Division
gM Rollin
Har
! (
dric
h
! ! ( ( Horn ! ( ! (
Lagura
Fatima
! (
Westgate
50
Hollywood
Joliet
ck eld Lo Muirfi Larwick
100
! (
! (
Lea nna
Norman Olson Lake
50
Holiday, Lake
! ( ! ( ! (
Wessex
Goo
Cre
Oak
1100
950
Flint Lake
Ando ver
Ax e
Wexford
Drive Drive
rst
375
Amhu
400
Kimrich
nd
Berwick
Mill
! ( ! ( ! (
ale
Gre
Windemere
rtis Cu 90
oln
! (
Kins
! ( ( !! ! (( ! ! ( ( ! (
n
! (
Ru
450
! (
550
500
Robbie
on
Linc
86th
91st
123rd
129th
325
89th
101st
118th 117th
! (
! (! (
94th 95th 96 th
106th
300
625
Rice Lake
Sa
! (! ( Moss Lake ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ! ( ( Deep LakeMink Lake ! ( Canada Lake 632 ! ( ! ! ( Long ( Lake ! ( ! (! ( Loomis Lake Linda ! ( ( Kellee Spectacle Lake!
m
r ive
( ! ( ! 154
93rd
WINFIELD
! (
De
! (
365
Jolie t
99th
109th
! (
( il ! (! ! Cacottay ( Eagle wood
Burdick
1050
! ( ( (! ! (! ry (! Barber (! ( Alta ! ( ! ( ! ! (! ! ! ( ( ! (! ( ( ! ! (! ( ( (! ( ! ! ! ! ( ( ! ( ! ( ! (! ( ( ! ( (! ! ( 775 ! ( ! ( ( ! ( ! ! ( Meska ! ( ! ( ! ( r ma Mir
! (
550
Sassafras Salt Creek
375
Hill
81st
97th
! ( ! (
400 Haven
83rd
MERRILLVILLE
Prescott et tuck Nan
! (
Main
Sauk
d
450
pR
81st
85th
s ne Jo
61st
Linco ln
750
Lakepark
! (
350
Old
( !! (
County Road 600
0
Dee
Mille r
Pin tail St at eR oad 13
! ( ! (
! (! (
! (! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( Lahonda ! ( Midway ! ( ! (
! (
! (
! (
850
oo Glenw
Azalea Capit ol Murrelet 62nd Bracken
orth
Veterans
625
14th
Pam Am
900
! (
Da
Duck Creek 10th
HOBART
Ain sw
ek
Ke lle r
Dalke
y
Frog Cre
700
Jodi
875
Oxbow
8th
an
6th
Tulip Arbor Exeter Foxmoor Coral
Nancy
Robbins
! (
950
lle Va
Lilli
2nd
Deep Riv 4th er 6th
d Birch lan Marbella ne Du United States Highway 6
irie Pra
Cleveland
e Bri
Lute
! (
Reve re
d
Ash
North
Robbins Redwood
Arbors
37th 38th
Rand
PORTAGE
Stone Lark
Chestnut Lakes Mud Lake
Pa ul
Sn ea
Ryder
Opal
34th
Quail
Bell
Boulder Lakeview
Mulberry Fai rvie w
1050
1000
! (
Hogan
Burdick
1160
Morgan LakeBillington Lake
49 oad
Union
26th
29th
31st
33r d
Shannon
CHESTERTON
1100
Center
Lenburg
Sher wood
Robbins Pond
Central Fox Tail
264
31st
Lake wood
23 B
Eugene
Industrial
te R Sta
ay erw Wat Hobart
Lundy
20
Leslie
urns
ge -B
NEW CHICAGO
ran p
ey Domb
et te
r
Po rte PORTER Old BURNS HARBOR
I-94
Portage
Slo an Houston McCasland
Evergreen Sand Sand
Plaza qu Mar
23rd
Evelyn
21st
rt ba Ho
Grand Boulevard Lake
Porta
Wayne
0 I-8
I-8 0
Ripley
I-8 0
port ram p 18 A
on United States Highway Carls Eagle
Mission
I-8 0
So uth
I-9 4
Otis
ater ns W
-Bur
ach
Willo w Clem 0 m Fitz I-8 Donna Cle
son Dickin
ta ge
LAKE STATION
co
Minnehaha, Lake
9th
way
Por
ge Sta
I-9 0
Duffer
6th Melton
I-90
10th
Sh ell
9th
Creita
5th
GARY
18th
Appendix A: Visioning Workshop Comments
!Construction of high density subdivisions need to be disallowed! ( Damon
Cattail
775
Run
Aled
Birch
Crabapple
Opal
! ( ! (
Incorporated Areas
! ( ! (Keep farmland; Preservation
Community Health Hospital Site (zoning approved)
Tanner
Drainage through here! !Heavy ( ! (We need a plan for this interchange
Barberry
!Agriculture for many years yet! ( Some Agriculture (Good Ground!) exists
! ( a good entrance or exit and down in a hole for drainage ! ( Porter Hospital in wrong place - notUnited Calumet - IDOT said this is 1 of 100 most dangerous intersections in the state States Highway 6 !6 andGetting ( too much commercial at this BAD intersection ! ( ! ( ! (No fast foods, etc; new proposed hospital? !Great vista ! ( (Any new development along 6 should have a service road heavy drainage area ! ( good for intersection development Edmond
! (
! (
State Road 49
! (Planned future private rec. center expansion ! (Boo Hospital Location
United States Highway 6
! (
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
Public Workshop Summary Map PORTER COUNTY CORRIDOR PLAN Š 2008 RATIO Architects, Inc.
May 2008
Adopted 05/19/2009
137
Appendix Appendix B: Prioritization Workshop Comments
Development Preference Survey Results
Public Workshop Sept. 25, 2008
G RE
• Often occurs as low density development (residential and/or commercial) • Located along intact wooded areas and/or stream and river corridors (riparian areas)
EN
Natural Features Development Patterns
Minimal Stream/Riparian Area Preservation/Buffering Comments:
1
• With increased growth, we’ll need more stormwater retention. The best way to do this is with wetland preservation and buffer areas along natural waterways • Very unnatural, may be flooding problem, too close to corridor, lack of entrance onto corridor • Shouldn’t mess with mother nature. Water will find its way • Ripe for flooding • Rapid run-off causing erosion and downstream flooding • There will be water problems down stream • Bleak-no wildlife habitat; flooding possible; no visual interests • Poor water quality and problems with flooding, inherent with this choice
Median Score: -5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
Approve 1
2
3
4
5
Disapprove Moderate Stream/Riparian Area Preservation Comments:
2
Median Score: 1 Approve -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
1
2
3
4
• 2-5 acre lots or larger • I like the stream in the normal so it doesn’t wash and normal flow • Is water/tree corridor protected • Through roads to stream edge (no!) • Smaller lots leave more open space for all to enjoy - i.e. with trails for walking and biking • Too many access roads to secondary corridor • Still potential for flooding • A better sell to builders who profit by available acreage • Too many roads leading to major road. Road going in subdivision need to be connected at back, no dead ends • Floods will dissipate into floodplain - lots of habitat
5
Disapprove Expanded Stream/Riparian Area Preservation Comments:
3
Median Score: 3 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 Disapprove 138
Approve 1
2
3
4
5
• Houses jammed too close, need 2-5 acre lots • Wood too close for good fire protection • Opposed to significant development in natural areas • Road still too close to lake/pond. Is open space protected? • Very protective, problem for fire service, proximity to woods of home for wildfire • Easier access points when off of highways • A lot of preservation to take care of • Usually larger lots - as in gated communities • Cost to preserve the areas; would
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
the developer be interested • Development none the less; lots of roofs and pavement to cause water problems • Least offensive - a lot of sprawl • Promotes cluster building which may be a tough sell to neighboring development • Land use is more for housing; roads need to connect together • Lots of habitat, floodplain, visual interest • Need fire road • Stream preservation especially important for water quality in lake Michigan drainage. Very high priority.
1
Porter County Corridor Plan
Appendix Appendix B: Prioritization Workshop Comments
Development Preference Survey Results
Public Workshop Sept. 25, 2008
• Often occurs as low density, large lot development • Setting includes unbuilt upon agricultural areas - possibly including or adjacent to wooded areas • Could also be located at major rural intersections (i.e. SR 2 and US 231)
BL U E
Rural Development Patterns
Minor Subdivision along County Road within Rural/Agricultural Area Comments:
4
Median Score: -1 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
Approve 1
2
3
4
5
• This development was the result of low crop prices - farmers needed $ • While this development isn’t considered “smart growth”, I don’t have a problem with interspersing homes with farms, as long as there are some controls aimed at preserving a rural character • Looks like one-acre set-aside carved out of a farm • Should never be allowed - code zoning problem with streetcuts, all well/septic • Best for maximizing agricultural acreage • Not attractive but allows farmers to sell off minimal amounts during bad times • Urban sprawl at its best, promotes decreasing values as adjacent property develops • This creates so many problems; do not let people sell off frontage! • Interferes with traffic: dangerous for delivery (mail, school bus) • Keep the largest amount of land in agriculture - many driveways onto a state highway would be a traffic problem
Disapprove Major Subdivision within Rural/Agricultural Area Comments:
5
Median Score: -3 Approve -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
1
2
3
4
5
• Developers buy and sell quick - not long term ; current developers are not maintaining subdivision roads • Restrict lot size • There is a huge fiscal cost to having high-density developments out in rural areas. Major subdivisions should be located close to cities / towns • All on septics? • Awful! • Not sustainable, depends on SVC (utilities) very limited access to site • Lots of danger from water runoff • Ugly! • Cookie-cutter subdivision, we have way too many of these • Roads could not handle this amount of traffic • Too dense, but some open space; easier traffic course • Takes a lot of land out of agriculture with no significant open space
Disapprove Subdivision with Small Yards and Expansive Common Area with Trails within Rural/Agricultural Area Comments:
6
Median Score: 3 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
Approve 1
Disapprove 2
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
2
3
4
5
• Larger yards, less common area • Displaces existing productive agricultural ground • Same comment as above. The plan is nice and all, but locating subdivisions out in rural areas often promotes more sprawl, congestion, etc. • Too many roads, too much development near water • Thoughtful, more in keeping with original use, sensitive/smart (utilities) • I feel this is the trend • If have to be outside town, than this is preferable to #4 and #5 • Better, but will chew up very large chunks of farmland • At least there is some green space • Small cluster lots (especially for us seniors) with great walkable green spaces, a great idea • You need to redevelop in the city limits first! • Still too dense, but lots of open space; opportunity for community gardens or small produce farming; room for livestock • OK if green space is allowed for crops or grazing • Excellent choice for this region for open space preservation Adopted 05/19/2009
139
Appendix Appendix B: Prioritization Workshop Comments
Development Preference Survey Results
Public Workshop Sept. 25, 2008
LL O YE
• Often occurs as medium density mixed-use development • Located adjacent to small incorporated towns (Hebron, Kouts) or small clusters of existing development (Wheeler, Malden)
W
Rural Town Edge Development Patterns
Commercial and Residential Linear Expansion Comments:
7
Median Score: -4 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
Approve 1
2
3
4
5
• Property owners exercising their right to use their land • Interspersing low density homes along farm ground isn’t necessarily an “evil” thing in my mind • More one-acre set asides • Need more thought and limits • Creeping suburbia • Definite corridor congestion problems • Poorly planned prohibits or severely limits pedestrian friendly development • Farmers can not afford to farm when this happens. Land becomes too expensive! • Too dense - conflicts with agricultural and slow vehicles • Hodgepodge look mixed commercial/residential uses is not preferred • Very bad, leads to everyone driving everywhere, can’t walk to business
Disapprove Strictly Defined Town Edge (Development Occurs within Town Boundaries) Comments: 8
Median Score: 1.5 Approve -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
1
2
3
4
5
Disapprove
• Don’t like strict defined • Too restricted • Better - soft buffer to abrupt end of rural - new development should follow, good zoning regulations to soften edge • But what happens when farm owner wants to sell property?? This would be a decision to really limit growth. As in “this is as big as we want to get” • Some streets just dead end; nice there are some green belt areas • Maintains differing lifestyles without treading upon one another • Valparaiso (my town) has none of this, development extends in every direction, this would be ideal for planning • Keep the land you have and improve! • School buffer helps control traffic crossings; do not meet on main road • Nice look, preserve greatest amount of agriculture, can penalize landowner with $ reduction value of land - limits growth of community • Like this but doesn’t seem to accommodate new housing. Not realistic for this area
New Development, Compatible with Existing Grid Pattern Comments:
9
Median Score: 1.5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 Disapprove 140
Approve 1
2
3
4
5
• Dislike grid patterns • Only even mildly acceptable if part of county plan • In general, I think the best approach - from a fiscal and planning approach - is to place high-density developments adjacent to existing cities/towns • Grid pattern in new area not compatible with old - no trees. Existing town development more attractive • Ugh! • Access for fire service very poor, does take advantage of utilities, very poor access • I prefer the grid or modified grid
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• Good compromise between #7 and #8 • Water runoff problems, but there are good zones of natural setting to help with environmental concerns • “Let’s take town to the country!” • Very little differentiation among developments, too monotonous, needs some more green space • Redevelop existing developments • Still too much encroachment should reduce density - travelers see too many back yards • OK - allows for development with planning, while maintaining rural character • Good for connecting into existing utilities and pathways in city
3
Porter County Corridor Plan
Appendix Appendix B: Prioritization Workshop Comments
Development Preference Survey Results
Public Workshop Sept. 25, 2008
RA N O
• Typically occurs as medium or higher-density mixed-use development (often commercial and industrial uses) • Located along the edge of larger towns such as Chesterton, Portage, and Valparaiso
G E
City Edge Development Patterns
Commercial Linear or Sporadic Expansion Comments:
10
Median Score: -5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
Approve 1
2
3
4
• Spaced out - not built on top of one another. Better semi truck access • Business is going where needed • Lack of controlled growth and planning access roads lacking • Sprawl nightmare; destroy city center businesses • Hope they have public transportation • Uncontrolled development outside city zoning area, usually city after annexation has to improve infrastructure • No way - get rich quick • Terrible use of land with commercial uses that will probably fail - future redevelopment will now be more expensive • This leads to too much driving and idling vehicles as they wait for congested traffic
5
Disapprove Strictly Defined Urban Edge (Development Occurs within City Boundaries) Comments:
11
Median Score: 2 Approve -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
1
2
3
4
5
• Difficult to locate businesses v. residential • Too restrictive for employment • Planned and controlled but poorly laid out and accessible commercial area • This would probably be harder to achieve than in #8. Still a really good idea if possible • Looks like it might have more vertical development • At least surrounded by greenspace • Easier to annex and provide proper planning • Keep existing business alive • Less dense with more open space/development balance • While desirable, can result in economic harm to landowner in areas prevented from development • Need to have new water facilities rather than depend on old city system: they are breaking down due to too much pressure.
Disapprove New Development, Compatible with Existing Grid Pattern Comments:
12
Median Score: 1.5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
Approve 1
Disapprove 4 PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
2
3
4
5
• Dislike grid pattern, takes out natural land; rolls; impossible for large truck delivery • This type of development is initiated by private developers not necessarily in accordance with a master plan • Looks like commercial/industrial uses are right up to residential • Planned but much too dense • Better idea - controlled growth • Dense development but not vertical • Easier to annex and provide proper planning, but with a grid housing nightmare • This land will be over-run • Too compact - too dense - and who said commercial has to be at town edge • While desirable, can result in economic harm to landowner in areas prevented from development • Need to have new water facilities rather than depend on old city system: they are breaking down due to too much pressure. Adopted 05/19/2009
141
Appendix Appendix B: Prioritization Workshop Comments
Development Preference Survey Results
Public Workshop Sept. 25, 2008
RE
• Typically occurs as medium or higher-density mixed-use commercial and industrial development intended to reduce residents’ travel time for goods and services (shopping / employment destination) • Located at major, more urban intersections such as at SR 49 and SR 6, or SR 130 and SR 149 • Intended to create a secondary focal point or “destination” along heavily traveled corridors
D
Major Intersection Development Patterns
Outward Facing Development (Parking out front, buildings set far back from the road) Comments:
13
• Better access for delivery and fire safety • Good sales access without confusion • Waste of space too much pavement / roof • “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot” • Terrible! Roofs & pavement; don’t try to walk or bike here • For drivers only • I hate this type. There’s no green, the only advantage is that you can find a store quickly (next to Target, etc.) • In 20 years another development will be built within 10 miles! It is a mess! • Poor commercial development - too much wasted land for parking
Median Score: -4 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
Approve 1
2
3
4
5
Disapprove Inward Facing Development (Buildings up front, parking behind, limited access along corridor) • Cars; no mass transportation Comments:
14
Median Score: 2 Approve -5 -4 -3 -2 -1
1
2
3
4
5
Disapprove
• Are inward roads truck route approved; difficult large truck access; truck and bus turn around? • More confusing for customer • Where are the bus/train stations? Also, all commercial development should have bike/pedestrian lanes • Limited access, good zoning, landscape controls • This works well, in Florida limited access with allowable u-turns. Some buffering would help, not as much as #15 • Too much congestion possible at intersections
• A little more green, but will you ever find my store even with directions • Keep access to a minimum • Driving past you don’t see acres of parking lots • None of these has (it seems) provision for pedestrian/bicycle travel from place to place - Hard to tell if this is true due to small scale of photo - perhaps they are included • Can’t see how walking/biking access is possible for this one. Forces driving for every errand?
Inward Facing with Corridor Buffers (Hidden development with very limited access along corridors) • This would be good for SR 49 north Comments:
15
Median Score: 2.5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 Disapprove 142
Approve 1
2
3
4
5
• Can you deliver with a 80’ truck trailer; limited truck delivery limited fire access • Hard to find - too complex for seniors • This is what Valparaiso did successfully along SR 49 • Corridor buffers are nice, but should have bike/pedestrian lanes and bus/ train stops • Reasonable access, controlled roads, fire service access limited, good soft landscape design, wise land use (?) • It is very confusing to find certain commercial developments, it does look great
RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
from Valpo to Chesterton. Would keep the feeling of being “out in the country” on the way to the driver. • How would this handle rush hour? • Still too sprawling; need to develop vertically; still too dependant upon autos • Cars; no mass transportation • I like the green, but I’d never find the store I’m looking for in this maze • Would be hard to do in south porter county • Nice open space • Looks like more greenspace. If walking possible, I like it.
5 Porter County Corridor Plan
Appendix Appendix B: Prioritization Workshop Comments
Development Preference Survey Results
Public Workshop Sept. 25, 2008
Additional Comments: • The only location in Porter County that we could possibly put dots on is the old Wheeler Dump. Every other location is Porter County is being used for something. I wouldn’t wish any of these developments on any location in Porter County. • Regarding the projected growth map: We should not let the corridors be clogged up with commercial. Growth should be adjacent to cities and towns. Better yet, redevelop failed areas inside cities & towns.
6 PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
Adopted 05/19/2009
143
Appendix Appendix B: Prioritization Workshop Comments
1100
Unnamed
950
850
Rolling Meadows
Shebel
850
Alcin
Willow Flynn
1050
900
B
Circle
2
600
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575
Haskell
1150
Mill w elo Big
600 564
Main Illinois
County Line
900
1025
1100
S County Road
575 450
1050
675
1050
PORTER
1175
County Road 650
LAPORTE
550 500 525
350
195
Holmesville
Center
Elm
Plain
Hunter Elk
625
Dodge
500 500
Kaper
400 400
Niles
435 368
12
1550
575
1100
County Line
550
450
600
Major Intersection
13 1050
1850
County Highway 1185
Mill
1150
450
300
Lacrosse
State Highway 8
Kelvyn
875
2100
United States Highway 421
e
600
275
400
State Road 49
1000
2200
325
US, SR, and Interstate
County Line
500
1300
Ri
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RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
250
County
County Road 1450 Road 142
5
400
County Road 1350
County Road 1350
500
Lake / Water Bodies
1400 1200
1400
300
Cardinal
1400
400
High Voltage Lines
County Road 180
100
200
1400
Abandoned Rail
350
Active Rail
r
Toto Toto
Proposed Roads
Streams 550
Incorporated Areas 650 County Line
State Road 10
1100
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County Road 600
ak
500
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2350
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900
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Randolph
September 2008
1000
1100
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144
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11
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1050
Development Pattern Preference (workshop) 1400
1400
County Line
650 475
400 300 325
Deerfield
Bartz
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Ra
150 75
Smoke
50
200
350
950
1600
esap Win Old Orc ha rd
Bailey
1600
1200
1000
1500
217th
1150
575
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Old Suman
200
State Road 49
Kestrel Silhavy
Ca Industrial
Sturdy
150
100
Smoke Meridian
150 225
150
Daumer
1700
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United States Highway 421
500 425
375
325
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Greenwich
Hearthstone
State Road 49
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Agape
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Valparaiso
Sears Linden Franklin
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Heavilin 100
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850
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8
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Delmar
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Olympia Robin
475
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500
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625 5th 3rd 1st
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Blackthorn
325
700
800
300
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425
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Town Edge
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Porter County Corridor Plan
Appendix Appendix C: Agricultural Preservation The following are techniques that can be used to encourage the preservation of farmland. Some tools may require additional funding or management by the local government or a not-for-profit organization.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Description – TDRs are voluntary agreements between senders and receivers, usually as a payment to the sender (farmer) and density bonus for the receiver (developer). In other words, a farmer will relinquish the right to develop his farmland to the County in exchange for a cash payment from the developer, and in return for this payment the county will allow the developer to develop at a higher density than the target zoning district permits. The density bonus would be determined by the County and the development would still need to be reviewed and approved at the higher density. Requirements – This program requires an administrator and detailed record keeping, but does not need funding to pay for the development rights. The administrator(s) only facilitate the transfer. The county holds the easement to the purchased development rights.
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Description – A program where the rights to develop agricultural property are purchased from farmers by either local government, local land trust organizations, or similar organizations. The purchaser would need to 1) create guidelines to judge which properties to purchase, 2) determine future termination guidelines, 3) assess the land’s value, 4) create maintenance enforcement guidelines, and 5) procure funding for the purchase of development rights through taxes, donations, or other means. Requirements – Both administration and funding are needed for PDRs.
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
Density Exchange Option (DEO) Description – Similar to TDR. An agreement between two parties for the exchange of permitted density. Example: If a landowner (farmer) has farmland in a district that allows the development of 1 unit per 5 acres, the landowner can exchange the development rights for the number of units developable to the developer for market price. The development rights transfer to the local government, and the developer is able to develop the number of units purchased on their target site in addition to the number of units that are already permitted. The development would still need to be reviewed and approved at the higher density. Requirements – This program requires an administrator, but does not need funding to pay for the development rights. The administrator(s) only facilitate the transfer.
Right-to-farm (RTF) Ordinance A RTF Ordinance is intended to relieve operating farmers from nuisance claims from new neighbors and developers, thereby insuring that farming operations are able to continue operation as long as the land/market permits. This ordinance can include: 1) grandfathering – establishing farming practices as pre-existing uses within zoning ordinances to aid in the relief of nuisance claims against them, should they arise (from new developments or homeowners), 2) requirements for realtors, developers, etc. to inform potential buyers of the neighboring farming operations and RTF Ordinance, 3) the establishment of a “grievance committee” to mediate disputes between neighboring uses, and 4) levying of fines or damages resulting from vandalism, loss of livestock to domestic animals, etc.
Adopted 05/19/2009
145
Appendix Appendix C: Agricultural Preservation Development Donation This technique requires developers to donate a specific percentage of their developable land to agricultural uses/open space and cluster development to encourage grouping of units and preservation of natural areas. In many cases this can prevent scattered and extremely large lot development.
Area Based Allocation Zoning: Sliding Scale The amount of development allowed on a lot decreases as the land area increases. For example: 1-5 acres = 1 home, 5-15 = 2, 15-35 = 3, 35-65 = 4, 65-105 = 5, 105-145 = 6, 145-185 = 7, etc. Therefore a 125-acre area of land is allowed 6 homes on 6 acres (1 acre each) and in addition may be required to develop only on the land most unsuitable for agricultural practice. This conserves large tracts of agricultural land while allowing small-scale development.
Agricultural Districts While there is not yet an official state program to support this in Indiana, it should be a consideration for future preservation options. Agricultural districts are areas in which farming is the preferred land use. They are legally recognized geographic areas voluntarily formed by one or more landowners and approved by one or more government agencies, designed to keep land in agriculture for a certain number of years. Landowners can receive a variety of benefits such as exemption from sewer and water assessments, greater protection from eminent domain, possible use-value taxation, and eligibility to sell developmental rights.
dures, the production of site plans or intentions, a public hearing, and formal rezoning review based on decision criteria, such as the Land Use & Thoroughfare Plan and anticipated growth. Zoning can be a very advantageous method of preserving farmland, while letting managed growth and development occur.
Agricultural Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts A TIF district is a financing mechanism that can be used to generate economic development in a specific area. A TIF district is a district in which the amount of taxes collected by local taxing districts (such as schools, townships, county, etc.) are frozen for a specific area where a new development project is occurring. The additional tax revenue generated due o the development, and any other development within the district that is facilitated by this, would then go back into the TIF district to pay off debts and bonds, or to pay for additional necessary infrastructure, all within the TIF district’s predetermined duration limit. This technique can be beneficial for agricultural preservation by applying it to areas that are incurring agricultural business development. Some examples of development projects that could be considered for an agricultural TIF district would include large biofuel operations, grain processing and storage, or other businesses that are beneficial to the agricultural community. Through the use of agricultural TIF districts and reinvesting excess tax revenue in these areas, the County can increase the viability of continued farming, support the industry of agriculture, and support farmland preservation.
Agricultural Zoning District A zoning ordinance can be formed to include an agricultural zoning district that would cover all existing agricultural land on an official zoning map. Creating this agricultural district for all farmland results in the necessity of going through the process for acquiring approval for the rezoning of a desired parcel for any non-agricultural development. This rezoning process can include application proce-
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2020
Appendix
12
12
20
20
Appendix D: Traffic Volume Projections I-94
Automobile Traffic
2010
49
149
49
149
130
2
30
130
2
30
2
30
30
6
30
Division Rd.
Division Rd.
CR 100S
I-80
49
30
Division Rd.
CR 100S
2
CR 100S
2
2
149
Smoke Rd.
49
8
49
49
49
Smoke Rd.
130
8
8
Legend 2
2
0 - 500 500 - 1000
130
2000 - 3000
231
2
231
4000 - 5000 5000+ Porter County Incorporated Areas
2010
2020
2030
Evening Traffic 12
12
12
20
20 I-94
20 I-94
I-94
30 20
I-94
30
149
49
149
130
2
30
30
30
Division Rd.
CR 100S
Division Rd.
CR 100S
CR 100S
2
2
49
Smoke Rd.
Smoke Rd.
49
2
Legend
49
Smoke Rd.
2
8
30
2
Division Rd. 30
CR 100S
Division Rd.
49
130
2
30
30
I-90
I-80
6 Meridian Rd.
49
130
To a lesser extent, increases in traffic volumes are projected along:
I-90
I-80
6 Meridian Rd.
149
20
I-94
I-90
Meridian Rd.
20
I-94
6
• CR 450W (north of SR 130) • CR 475W (between SR 130 and US 30) • CR 500W (south of US 30) • CR 100S • St. Clair Rd (CR 550N)
2
231
3000 - 4000
I-80
• SR 130 • SR 2 east of Valparaiso
2
2
1000 - 1500 1500 - 2000
2 PM Peak Traffic Projections: Images to the right show total projected traffic volumes during the three-hour period of 3pm-6pm. Moving outward from 2010, increases in traffic volumes are projected along:
8
8
2010link_Project 2
2
< 500 500 - 1000
2
1000 - 1500
2
2
2
1500 - 2000 2000 - 3000
231
231
231
3000 - 4000 4000 - 5000 5000 + Porter County Incorporated Areas
2010
2020
Off-Peak Traffic 12 20
20
20
Meridian Rd.
6 49
149
130
0 - 500
30
1000 - 1500
CR 100S
1500 - 2000
30
Incorporated Areas
Smoke Rd.
Smoke Rd.
Legend Traffic Volume < 500
Porter County
3000 - 4000
Incorporated Areas
4000 - 5000 5000+
2 2
231
2000 - 3000
500 - 1000 1000 - 1500
49
8
2 2
231
49
8
2 2
Porter County
2
231
8
5000+
30
Division Rd.
CR 100S
2
3000 - 4000 4000 - 5000
30
CR 100S
49
2
30
Division Rd.
2
2000 - 3000
49
130
2
30
2
Division Rd.
149
130
2
2
500 - 1000
8
49
I-90
I-80
6
Smoke Rd.
Legend
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
6
149
20 I-94
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
Meridian Rd.
I-94
12
I-94
Meridian Rd.
I-94
8
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
2030
12
49
Smoke Rd.
49
Off-Peak Traffic Projections: Images to the right show total projected traffic volumes during all non-peak hours. Moving outward from 2010, increases in traffic volumes are projected along: • SR 49 • US 6 • CR 500W (south of US 30) • SR 2 east of Valparaiso • CR 450W (north of SR 130) • CR 475W (between SR 130 and US 30)
I-90
6
Meridian Rd.
149
I-90
I-80
6 Meridian Rd.
I-90
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
6
2
Division Rd.
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
I-94
Meridian Rd.
20
I-94
20 I-94
20
I-94
• SR 2 east of Valparaiso
• SR 49 • US 30
12 20
I-94
Smoke Rd.
Meridian Rd.
• SR 49 • US 30
12 20
AM Peak Traffic Projections: Images to the right show total projected traffic volumes during the three-hour 6 period of 6am-9am. Moving outward from 2010, 49increases in traffic volumes are projected along:
Smoke Rd.
149
2030
12
Meridian Rd.
I-80
2020
Morning Traffic
Images on this page include projected traffic volumes of automobile traffic. Each time period below is projected for the years 2010, 2020, and 2030.
20
I-94
231
1500 - 2000
Adopted 05/19/2009
147
2020
Appendix 12
12 20
20 I-94
I-94
Appendix D: Traffic Volume Projections Heavy Truck Traffic
2010
12
20
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
49
149
49
149
130
2
130
2
30
6
30
Division Rd.
30
Division Rd.
CR 100S
CR 100S
2
2
149
49
Smoke Rd.
49
Smoke Rd.
2
30
30
Division Rd.
CR 100S
8
49
8
2
130
2
Legend
49
8
2
2
2
231
49
Smoke Rd.
30
I-80
6
Meridian Rd.
130
I-90
I-80
6 Meridian Rd.
6
2
231
231
0.00000 - 500.00000 500.00001 - 1000.00000 1000.00001 - 1079.17253 Porter County Incorporated Areas
2010
2020
2030
Evening Traffic 12
12
12
20
20
20
149
130
Division Rd.
6 49
149
130
2
30
2
Division Rd.
30
30
Division Rd.
CR 100S
Division Rd.
CR 100S
2
CR 100S
2
2
49
Smoke Rd.
Smoke Rd.
49
2
8
2
30
CR 100S
8
2
49
8
2
2
30
130
Division Rd.
30
30
49
Smoke Rd.
During Off-Peak traffic hours, projected large truck traffic volume is projected to be much higher than during peak hours. In addition to roads listed above, during Off-Peak hours large trucks are also projected to use, to a lesser extent:
49
I-90
I-80
6 Meridian Rd.
149
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
6
30
I-94
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
Meridian Rd.
I-94
20 I-94
30
Meridian Rd.
I-94
• SR 49 from I-80/I-90 to US 30 • US 30 east of Valparaiso
• SR 130 • US 30 west of Valparaiso
I-94
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
149
20 I-94
Meridian Rd.
I-94
12 20
20
I-94
Meridian Rd.
20
I-94
2
AM & PM Peak and Off-Peak Traffic Projections: Images to the right show projected traffic 2 of volumes during the three-hour period 6am-9am and the the three-hour period 3pm-6pm. It appears that heavy trucks utilize project corridors more during PM peak traffic hours. Roads with the highest projected volumes include:
149
2030
12
Meridian Rd.
20
2020
Morning Truck Traffic
Images on this page include total projected traffic volumes of heavy truck traffic, which includes semi trucks used for shipping purposes, and does not I-90 I-80 UPS, include commercial trucks such as small U-Haul, or similar, typically with two axels. Each time period below is projected for the years 2010, 2020, and 6 2030. 49
2
2
2
Legend 2010link_Project
231
231
231
< 500 500 - 1000 1000 + Porter County
US 6 does not appear to be considered a 49 significant large truck travelway, though there are some large trucking businesses located along that road that may affect roadway safety issues due to direct, nonsignalized access to US 6.
2010
2020
2030
Off-Peak Truck Traffic 12
12 20
0 - 500
149
130
2
2
49
130
2
30
2
Division Rd.
1000 - 1500
49
6 Meridian Rd.
149
30
500 - 1000
Meridian Rd.
Meridian Rd.
49
2
30
30
30
30
Division Rd.
CR 100S
I-90
I-80
8
6
130
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
6
Legend
I-94
20
I-94
I-90
I-80
149
20 I-94
20
8
12
20 I-94
I-94
49
Smoke Rd.
Smoke Rd.
Incorporated Areas
Division Rd.
CR 100S
CR 100S
1500 - 2000 2
2000 - 3000
2
2
231 49
Smoke Rd.
Smoke Rd.
Smoke Rd.
3000 - 4000
49
49
4000 - 5000 8
5000+ Porter County Incorporated Areas
8
2 2
231
8
2
2
Legend TRAF2010.OPT < 500
231
2000 - 3000
Porter County
3000 - 4000
Incorporated Areas
500 - 1000
4000 - 5000
1000 - 1500
5000 +
2 2
231
1500 - 2000
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Appendix Appendix E: Development & Market Assessment
DEVELOPMENT & MARKET ASSESSMENT Unincorporated Porter County, Indiana
Presented as a Component of the Porter County Corridor Plan
June 2008
FEBRUARY, 2009
Prepared by: 1236 E. 16th Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
Adopted 05/19/2009
149
2
DEVELOPMENT & MARKET ASSESSMENT
Appendix
Table of Contents Summary
150
3
1 | Housing Trends
4
2 | Economic Development Trends
11
3 | Retail DevelopmentTrends
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33
DEVELOPMENT & MARKET ASSESSMENT
Summary - SWOT
Appendix
Porter County STRENGTHS • • • • •
Consistent population growth Net employment increases Growth vs. neighboring counties Growing employment diversification Strong income levels / wage growth
OPPORTUNITIES • Continued economic diversification to overcome • • • • • •
manufacturing in decline. Sustained population and economic growth High demand for retail goods and services Strategizing for ideal development patterns Tourism development Establishment of high levels of quality of life within all tiers (rural, suburban, urban) Cluster development
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
WEAKNESSES • Historic reliance upon small number of industries • Large employment losses in high paying
industries, such as manufacturing • Srong ties to regional economic engine located out-of-state • Tourism not well-integrated into county • Growth occuring fastest in unincorproated areas
THREATS • Growing divide between resident segments (urban
vs. rural, commuter vs. local) • Increasing land consumption due to residential demand. • Decline of Chicago CSA regional economy • Declining agricultural assets • Loss of rural character • Development infringement on environmentally sensitive areas • Loss of tax base / increase in services with peripheral development in unincorporated county areas • Burden on local school systems • Aesthetically unpleasing development • Strip-center / corridor commercial development
Adopted 05/19/2009
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4
DEVELOPMENT & MARKET ASSESSMENT
Appendix
1 | Residential Development Trends 1.1 OVERVIEW Porter County has experienced steady population growth for at least the last 20 years. The county’s compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) since 1990 is 1.15%. This is six times the total CAGR for neighboring Lake and La Porte counties, and nearly double that of the state of Indiana’s annual growth over the same period. Between 1990 and 2006, the three northwestern counties of Indiana (Lake, Porter and La Porte) added a net population of 51,700. 60% of this was in Porter County. Porter County is not only the fastest growing county in northern Indiana, but it is also one of the fastest growing in the state. Porter County ranks 7th in the State of Indiana for population growth since 2000 and is one of only two northern Indiana counties to be in the top 10 (Elkhart County being the other). The top five counties are all suburban Indianapolis counties. The county is part of an outer “belt” around Chicago that is experiencing significant growth. As the Chicago Metropolitan area grows, most of the new population is locating in suburban and exurban counties 30-45 minutes from The Loop. North and northwestern Porter County is most heavily impacted by this trend, as new migration from Chicago and Lake County has moved eastwards into the county. While most of the total population has occured north of Route 2, the southern rural areas of Porter County are also experiecing notable population growth, at rates much higher than more urbanized areas of the county. If current population growth trends remain the same (which they have since 1990), the county could reach a population of nearly 200,000 people by 2027. This translates into potential demand for as many as 10,000 new housing units.
1.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS 1.2.1 General County Growth Trends Porter County had a net population increase of between 13,000 and 14,000 people between 2001 and 2007. This represents a 9% growth rate and a compounded annual growth rate of 1.15%. In comparison, neighboring Lake and La Porte Counties grew by a net total of 6,500 people combined, at a growth rate of only 0.16%.
Figure 1-1:
1.40%
65% of Porter County’s growth is based on net domestic and international migration, meaning that most of the population growth is due to people moving into the county vs. natural increases. Based on Census 2000 data, the bulk of this migration (34%) came from Lake County. 45% came from Northern Indiana, while 18% came from Northeastern Illinois.
1.20%
1.2.2 Unincorporated County Growth Trends In 2007, Census estimates put the population of unincorporated areas of Porter County at approximately 67,000 people, or 42% of total county population. Since 2000, Unincorporated Areas of Porter County have added a net population of approximately 6,100 people.
0.40%
Unincorporated areas of Porter County are estimated to have grown slightly faster than Incorporated Areas; 10% vs. 8%. Annually, unincorporated areas are growing significantly faster, than incorporated areas, with CAGR of 1.33% vs. 0.72% since 152
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Popula�on Growth by Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 1990 - 2007
1.00% 0.80% 0.60%
0.20% 0.00% Porter County
Lake County
La Porte County
Indiana
source: U.S. Census and DCI Analysis
Porter County Corridor Plan
5
DEVELOPMENT & MARKET ASSESSMENT 2000. Therefore, while the cities and towns in Porter County added more population in terms of raw numbers, unincorporated areas are nevertheless growing at a much faster rate. 1.2.3 Population Growth by Township The growth of rural areas can be seen through the estimated growth rates of Porter County townships. Largely rural Pleasant, Morgan and Washington townships are estimated to have grown between 19-23% each since 2000. Furthermore, much of this growth is not anticipated to have taken place in incorporated areas or unincorporated towns. In Pleasant township, for example, 87% of population growth is estimated to have taken place outside of the town of Kouts.
Impacts: Population Growth of this rate is liable to have significant impact in several different ways; 1) Rural areas are beyond urban service areas and accessed by road systems meant to serve smaller populations; and 2) population moving away from urbanized areas, who are themselves experiencing significant growth. Liberty and Washington townships are two particular areas whose growth is likely heavily influenced by growth in Center, Westchester and Portage townships. The heavy population growth rate in rural areas - particularly in the four southern townships - is of note. This perhaps signifies a growing desire to live at a distance from the growing urbanized areas of the county. Existing data does not allow this study to determine whether population growth in these areas is due to internal county movement or in-migration. 1.2.4 Regional Growth Trends In terms of economy and residential patterns, there are essentially two Porter Counties. One is the rural part of the county, mostly in the southerna half, which in many ways is more more connected to its rural Jasper and La Porte county neighbors. The other is the northern part of the county, which has seen its existing cities merge with significant residential growth, and which now function as suburban areas within the greater Chicago MSA. Between 2000 and 2007, Chicago grew at a respectable rate of 4.5% (higher than Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Detroit and Philadelphia MSAs). What the figure below shows, is that the growth patterns arond the Chicago MSA are not equal. Generally, people are abandoning older urban areas, and even first ring suburban areas, for areas that are located between 35-45 miles from The Loop. This includes the northwestern and western areas of Porter County. These areas are largly suburban or exurban locations. In examining Lake County, one can see that the areas of “avoidance” for population include the industrial suburbs of Hammond, East Chicago and Gary. PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
Appendix Porter County Population Growth By Township 2001 - 2006
WESTCHESTER Pop. Change: 1220 Growth 12%
PORTAGE Pop. Change: 3,000 LIBERTY Growth :7% Pop. Change: 820 Growth 12%
UNION Pop. Change:520 Growth :7%
PORTER Pop. Change: Growth
BOONE Pop. Change: Growth :
CENTER Pop. Change: 1960 Growth :5%
JACKSON Pop. Change: 488 Growth %:11%
WASHINGTON Pop. Change: 620 Growth :19%
MORGAN Pop. Change: Growth %:
750 9%
520 9%
PINE Pop. Change:260 Growth 9%
PLEASANT Pop. Change: Growth :
620 23%
840 22%
source: U.S. Census and DCI Analysis
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Appendix Impacts: If the dispersion of Chicago MSA growth continues into second and third ring suburban areas, Porter County should expect sustained population growth. The rising cost of commuting via automobile may have some impact on this, but the South Shore line and future mass transit projects might mitigate the rising costs of living in Porter County and commuting to Chicago. Furthermore, there is enough job growth locally within Porter County (see next chapter) to suggest that population growth within the county is sustainable as long as the county adds jobs. 1.2.5 Residential Construction Trends Porter County had a total of appoximately 58,500 housing units in 2000. Of these, 72% were Single Family Detached units. Another 2.6% were Single Family Attached units, and 7.2% were Single Family - Mobile Home units. This leaves about 18% - or 10,500 units in multI-family housing units.
Chicago Metropolitan Area growth is driving a large por�on of growth in Northwestern Indiana. Recent trends show that popula�on is moving futher and further away from the city. In the case of Lake County, this means avaiding established urban areas like Gary and East Chicago altogether for the suburban communi�es of Munster, Schererville, Merrillville and Hobart.
Chicago Metropolitan Area Growth By County and Township 2001 - 2006 MCHENRY
LAKE Negative Growth 0 - 500 500 - 1000 1000 - 2000 2000 - 3000
KANE DUPAGE
3000+ COOK
LAPORTE PORTER WILL LAKE 154
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source: U.S. Census and DCI Analysis Porter County Corridor Plan
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Appendix Sixty-percent of these units were located in Incorporated areas of Porter County, leaving just over 22,300 units in unincorporated areas. It is difficult to say what the Single Family vs. Multi-Family split is in unincorporated county areas. However, based upon recent residential construction statistics, it is easy to conclude that the number of multi-family units are likely to be extremely low. Single Family Detached units represented an average of 94% of all construction in unincorporated areas between 2000 and 2007.
Figure 1-2:
Housing Starts - Porter County 1990 - 2007
1600 1400 1200 1000
Porter County’s population growth is matched by the growth of its residential development. The county’s housing stock has grown by 14% in just the past seven years. The county is on pace to match its 18% growth rate in units during the 1990s. Housing construction has been fastest in unincorporated county areas, which added 3,680 units since 2000 - or 16%. Since 1990, 80% of the housing units constructed in Porter County have been Single Family Detached units. By far, the amount of Multi-Family units being contructed in the county have been in incorporated areas. The largest concentration of Multi-Family units has been in Valparaiso. Between 1996 and 2007, 48% of all new residential units in the county seat were Multi-Family units, vs. only 29% in Chesterton, and 16% in Portage. Valparaiso also accounted for 42% all Multi Family units being constructed in the county during the same period.
800 600 400 200 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Single Family Units
source: U.S. Census and DCI Analysis
Figure 1-3:
1.3 PROJECTIONS 1.3.1 Population Projections Porter County grew 13% between 1990 and 2000, and is on pace to grow another 13% between 2000 and 2010. This represents quick, sustained growth over a long period of time.
900
Utilizing a straight line projection that assumes future growth rates based on past growth rates, it is estimated that Porter County could grow to around 195,000 to 202,000 people in 20 years. This represents an average growth rate of 1.16%, or 1,700 people, annually.
500
Based on these existing growth rates, Unincorporated Porter County could reach a population of 89,000 to 96,700 in 20 years. This rate would add an average of 1,000 people a year.
Multi Family Units
Housing Starts Unincorporated Porter County 1996 - 2007
800 700 600
400 300 200 100 0 1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
Single Family Units
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Multi Family Units
source: U.S. Census and DCI Analysis
Truly accurate unincorporated county population projections are uniquely difficult to determine because of the possibility of areas becoming incorporated and therefore transferred into a different system of governance. The numbers represented on the figures to the right therefore represent projections of population within areas that are unincorporated as of 2008. PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
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Appendix 1.3.2 Housing Demand Based upon population projections for Porter County, one can estimate the future housing demand from new residents based upon existing growth trends. It is important to note that this projection of housing demand is long-term. It is based upon recent trends in growth, and therefore does not take into consideration the current (2008) housing market downturn - it is based on the assumption that over the long term (10 - 20 years), this market will normalize, as will demand for certain housing types over others. It is also based on the assumption of population projections based upon recent growth trends, as well as employment growth trends. This report estimates that by 2017, there will be a demand for over 10,400 new housing units within Porter County. This is based, in part, on an estimated 14% change in households between 2007 and 2017, which is in turn based upon trends of the last decade. This is an average of anticipated demand for housing of 1,000 units annually. Split between housing types, it is estimated that 7,500 of these units in demand will be single family homes. The other 2,900 will be for multi-family units. The expected housing demand for Unincorporated Porter County is estimated at about 4,900 units. By 2027, this number could be as much as 10,000 units. Based on current housing demand, the percentage of single family units is much higher in unincorporated areas - 9,400 units to 500 for multi-family units.
Impacts: Existing growth trends have unincorporated county
areas growing by 25% in the next 20 years (17,000+ people). Sustained market demand for single family housing is going to have a significant land use impact upon unincorporated county areas. This includes both growth that could continue to occur in unincorporated areas, as well as the sprawl of existing urban areas into unincorporated areas. If the estimated demand for housing is met in the next 10 years, it has the potential to use up as much as 3,200 acres of land given current housing preferences and sizes. 1.3.3 Potential Market Shifts Other than significant changes in the local or regional economy, there are three projects that pose potential changes to the current growth patterns of Porter County. These include; 1) The proposed South Shore Commuter Train Line extension; 2) The proposed Illiana Expressway; and 3) the new interchange of County Road 109 and I-65 in Lake County.
Popula�on Projec�ons Porter County 2007 - 2027
Figure 1-4:
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
Porter County
Incorporated Areas
2007
Unincorporated Areas
2027
source: U.S. Census and DCI Analysis
Figure 1-5:
City / Town Gary Hammond Portage Michigan City Merrillville East Chicago Valparaiso Schererville Munster La Porte
Growth of NW Indiana Ci�es 2000 - 2007 County Lake Lake Porter La Porte Lake Lake Porter Lake Lake La Porte
2000 102,520 82,056 33,893 32,734 30,572 32,045 28,085 25,175 21,516 21,475
2006 97,715 78,292 36,300 32,116 31,896 31,594 29,516 28,881 22,346 21,231
If the South Shore extension line is brought to Valparaiso, as proposed, it could drive faster population growth around the 156
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DEVELOPMENT & MARKET ASSESSMENT county seat. Already a signiďŹ cant percentage of county residents commute to Chicago. Many commute up to the existing South Shore line station in Westchester township. Commuting to the Chicago area from Porter County is currently accessible to residents down to around Valparaiso due to driving times and existing transit links. In adddition, such a commuter train station in Valporaso might increased population growth south of the city, as the train would then be much more accessible to residents of Morgan, Porter, Pleasant and Boone townships. Much of the population dispersion from Chicago has taken place along lines of transportation. The fact that Porter County is accessible to the rest of the Chicago MSA via both commuter rail and freeway is an important driver of growth in the county. Proposals have a new expressway connector between I-57 in Will County, Illinois and I-65 in Lake County, Indiana. An extension of this line has also been proposed through Porter and into La Porte County. This would take a new freeway through Boone and Morgan townships and undoubedly bring major land use impacts in terms of residential, commercial, retail and industrial growth. The third project is one that is already in the planning stages. It is a new interchange at County Road 109 and I-65 in Lake County. This new interchange would open up access to parts of Porter township previously more difďŹ cult to reach - directly opposite of the some of the fastest growth areas in Lake County. Focused population growth in this area, more than estimated, is likely to imapct Route 2 in many ways.
Appendix Projected Population
By Porter County Township: 2027 Baed Upon Estimated Growth Trends 2000-06
WESTCHESTER + 8.200 people
PORTAGE + 10.000 people
UNION + 2.000 people
PINE + 900 people
LIBERTY + 3.000 people
JACKSON + 1.700 people
CENTER + 6.200 people
WASHINGTON + 2.700 people
PORTER + 2,500 people
BOONE + 1.700 people
MORGAN + 2.800 people
PLEASANT + 3,600 people
source: U.S. Census and DCI Analysis
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Appendix Residential Development Impact Areas Unincorporated Porter County Corridors
Liberty Township
Liberty Township sits in between the three urban areas of Porter County, and it is liable to experience a significant amount of residential development pressure as Portage, Valparaiso and Chesterton continue to grow. This is particularly true from north to south.
Valparaiso
Many factors, including existing growth and planned economic development initiatives suggest that how Valparaiso grows in the future will has significant impact on areas outside of the city.
Pressure From the West
Much of Porter County’s growth is spurred by similar growth in suburban areas of Lake County to the West. Continued population growth in those areas may put pressure on the southwestern parts of the county, which currently are growing at the same rate as the county on the whole.
Rural Growth
If the southeastern portion of the county continues to grow at current rates, it is liable to stress the infrastructure put in place to serve these areas. This includes transportation and utility networks.
Incorporated Areas Study Corridors Most Likely Residential Growth Directly on County Corridors
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Appendix
2 | Economic Development Opportunities 2.1 OVERVIEW - PORTER COUNTY ECONOMY
Porter County has proven to be resilient in the face of a nationwide downturn in manfacturing employment, which has hit neighboring counties hard. The county has seen steady job growth since the recession of 2001-02, with growth in multiple employment sectors outweighing losses in the manufacturing sector. Between 1997 and 2006, Porter County added net jobs in private sector employment, while neighboring Lake and La Porte counties netted negative employment growth. Recent national and local downturns have not impacted the population growth of the county. For instance, while net employment dropped during the recessions of 2001-02 throughout the region, county population growth stayed constantly above 1%. Generally speaking, the Porter County economy is shifting from that of a goods-producing base (manufacturing, etc.) to a services oriented one (retail, health care, etc.). This follows nation-wide trends. However, while some geographies have seen overall wages impacted by the switch from higher paying good producing jobs to lower paying retail / service jobs, Porter County has seen stable growth in overall wages produced through its employment. One example is the county’s leading industry - Primary Metal Manufacturing. This sector has seen losses in employment over the past decade, but its increases in total compensation to employees have risen at a much faster rate. Porter County’s wage growth has equalled or exceeded the wage growth of nearby geographies, particularly Lake and La Porte Counties (Figure 2-2). The county has five “core” employment sectors that, despite positive and negative fluctuations in total jobs, has nevertheless provided a stable base for Wage growth throughout the county.
2.2 ECONOMIC ROLES OF CORRIDORS
PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
55,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
Sep
Jul
Aug
Jun
Apr
May
Mar
Jan
Feb
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
35,000 1998
2.2.1 Retail As Figure 2-1 illustrates, many of the growth sectors within Porter County are retail oriented employment sectors. In 2006, Retail Trade was the second largest employment sector in Porter County - representing 12% of non-farm employment
60,000
1997
This study identified the following economic development areas as ones where Porter county corridors could contribute to. Areas with the highest potential impact include (1) Retail; (2) Health Care Related Uses; (3) Logistics / Transportation; and (4) Specialized Manufacturing. Lower impact areas include Agricultural Preservation and Tourism. These areas are discussed in more depth in this section.
Private Employment - Porter County 1997-2007
Figure 2-1:
Private Employment
The corridors that are part of the Porter County Corridor Study could play many different roles in the general economic develpoment of Porter County. This study examined what economic develpoment opportunities are available for county corridors based upon existing growth opportunities, upcoming development initiatives, and uses that are most appropriate for the land along the corridors. This included what development related opportunities exist, as well as how the corridors can support economic development initiatives in other parts of the county.
2007
Source: Bureau of Labor Sta�s�cs (BLS)
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Appendix
(BEA). Since 2001, Retail Trade has netted 325 jobs in the county. A further discussion of the development trends for retail is found in the next chapter. 2.2.2 Health Care Related Uses The Health Care sector is one of the fastest growing areas in Porter County. Between 2001 and 2006 the Health Care and Social Assistance sector added almost 1,000 wage and salary jobs. This was driven largely by growth in the Ambulatory Health Care Services sub-sector, which added over 600 jobs. This sub-sector consists of physician, dentists and other health care practitioner offices, outpatient care centers, diagnostic laboratories and home health care services. Nursing and Residential Care Facilities added another net of 270 jobs during the same period. This sector is also contributing largely to wage increases in the county. The total compensation received by all employees in Porter County grew by 25% between 2001 and 2006. Compensation in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector grew by 40% Health Care and Health Care related industries are set to be a huge growth sector within the county with the planned construction of two new private hospitals. It will also have significant land use imapcts on unincorporated county land. Porter Memorial - the county hospital - currently located in Valparaiso, will be re-built on land at the intersection of Route 49 and Route 6. Over 2,000 jobs will re-locate to this site. This may cause many health care businesses that would be associated with the Ambulatory Health Care subsector to move to be in proximity to the new facility.
Figure 2-2:
Growth Sectors - Porter County 2001-2006
NAICS Sector 237 Civil Engineering Construction 334 Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing 443 Electronics and Appliance Stores 448 Clothing and Clothing Acessories Stores 453 Miscellaneous Store Retailers 484 Truck Transportation 551 Management of Companies and Enterprises 623 Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
SpR
%G
1.03
52%
0.37
381%
1.51
138%
0.35
50%
0.91
24%
1.19
38%
0.26
58%
1.07
26%
SpR = Specialization Ratio (aka Location Quotient) %G = Percentage of Job Growth source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
In addition to the new “county” hospital, which will in fact be run by a private company, another new private hospital facility is planned just 5 miles to the south along Route 49 in the city of Valparaiso. Estimates of the employment at this facility range up to 1,800 after several phases. These will be entirely new jobs within the county, not relocated ones. Not only will nearly 4,000 new or relocated jobs within 5 miles of each other have drastic land use impacts along the Route 49 corridor, but other areas, particularly along Route 6 could also see Health Care related development because of the new county facility’s proximity to the existing Porter / Portage Hospital to the west. Northward movement along Route 49 could also occur with connections to the existing Bone and Joint center in Chesterton. 160
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The Health Care Industry is a growing across the county. Since 2000, Health Care related jobs grew more than 3% higher than the na�onal average of job growth. In Indiana, they grew by nearly 4 �mes the state job growth average.
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DEVELOPMENT & MARKET ASSESSMENT Statewide in Indiana, jobs in both government / nonprofit and private hospitals have generated a multiplier of 0.81 for ambulatory health care jobs. This means that for every 5 jobs in hospitals, 4 jobs are created via physician’s offices, special care centers, outpatient services, etc.
Appendix
The general employment multipler, which includes all jobs that would potentially be generated by hospital employment, ranges from 1.4 to 1.8. This means that for every 5 hospital jobs, approximately 7-9 other jobs are created. 3-5 of these jobs would come from employment sectors not directly related to health care. This means that with the construction of the proposed hospital in Valparaiso, the county could see growth in health care related fields of up to 1,000 - 1,500 new jobs just in private health care facilities. Overall, job growth from the new hospital could yield as many as 2,500 - 3,240 total jobs based in health care businesses, social assistance, retail, and other sectors.
Impacts: Though there are several clusters of health care
related businesses in incorporated cities, there will likely be demand for health care related busienesses and offices to be located in proximity to one or both of the new hospitals. This means development along Route 49 and Route 6. It should be noted that this will also likely include demand for retail. The proposed Valparaiso Memorial Hospital will be located near the retail centers of the city, but the Community Health County hospital will likely support several retail businesses in close proximity to the facility.
The average annual pay for a worker in Porter County was $36,736 in 2007. For the Ambulatory Health Care sector, which grew by 31% between 2001 and 2006, the averag annual wage for the same year was $48,990.
2.2.3 Specialized Manufacturing Manufacturing has long been the cornerstone of Porter County’s economy. More specifically - Steel manufacturing. This industry has experienced a long downturn, however, negatively impacting many communities around the country, including several in neighboring Lake County. Though the Manufacturing sector lost net jobs between 2001 and 2006, this was almost primarily due to losses in the Primary Metal and Fabricated Metal subsectors. Many other manufacturing subsectors have shown small, but steady growth. While they are nowhere near the size of the major subsectors, it does show the trend of diversification in goods producing industries. The leading manufacturing subsector for growth is Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing, which grew from approximately 30 employees to 150 employees in five years. Other growth subsectors include Chemical Manufacturing, Nonmetallic Mineral Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, and Machinery Manufacturing. Together, these account for a modest growth of 250 jobs since 2001. Yet treated as targeted industries through economic development PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
The movement of the Porter County hospital into private hands follows na�onwide trends for health care. Private hospitals account for 75% of all hospital employment in Indiana, and 78% of all hospital employment in the United States.
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Appendix
policy, they could yield yet more growth. Most of the significantly industrial activity takes place with county corporate limits, but land available for new industrial ventures is becoming limited, and presently greenfield sites in unincorporated county areas are likely to be more cost-effective than redevelopment sites within existing communities.
Impacts: The most likely area for growth in this sector in unincorporated county areas is near the airport, just east of Valparaiso. There is a significant drive to utilize the airport as a catalyst for business and economic development by utilizing multiple modes of transportation around the airport (air, rail, roads) and ample developable land. The airport sits at a major county crossroads of Route 30 and Route 49. It is easily accessible to the retail and commercial growth that is occuring along Laporte Avenue and Route 30. 2.2.4 Logistics / Transportation Truck Transportation and Support Activites for Transportation is another growth industry that relates directly to corridors such as those in this study. Truck Transportation, which includes general and specialized frieght trucking, added over 300 jobs between 2001 and 2006. During that period, the subsector became a specialized industry within Porter County, moving from a 0.92 Specialization Quotient to 1.19. Support Activities for Transportation - already a specialized subsector in the county, experienced a fluctuation that eventually ended with a modest net growth. Truck Transportation activities concentrate around major regional arterials. The bulk of these activities are most likely located within proximity of I-80/90 and I-94, highways outside of the study area for this report. However, Route 6 and Route 30 are important east-west regional corridors that are used to access Lake and La Porte Counties. This includes Starke, Pulaski and White counties, accessible off of Route 30, which connects to the major north-south state highway Route 421.
Impacts: Similar to Specialized Manufacturing, if Truck
Transportation operations were to grow within unincorporated areas, they would most likely sit at a nexus of transportation routes. The best location is near the Valparaiso Airport and the confluence of Routes 30, 131, 2, and 49. This location has good proximity to I-80/90, 10 minutes to the north, as well as perhaps a 20 minute trip to the Port of Indiana in Portage.
Steel related manufacturing (categorized as Primary Metal Manufacturing by NAICS) has historically been the economic driver in Porter County. However, despite declines in the steel industry - and the manufacturing sector in general - there appears to be some growth in specialty manufacturing fields , indica�ng diversifica�on and poten�al stabiliza�on of goods producing jobs - a cornerstone of the local county economy.
Figure 2-3:
Growth Sectors in Manufacturing Porter County
NAICS Sector 311 Food Manufacturing 325 Chemical Manufacturing 327 Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing 333 Machinery Manufacturing 334 Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
Emp 85 279
%G 29% 28%
161
29%
370
9%
149
381%
Emp = Total Employment in 2006 %G = Percentage of Job Growth source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
2.2.5 Agricultural Preservation Porter County, like most Indiana counties, has a strong agricultural sector. It is also a dominant land use. In 2002, there were 606 farms that utilized nearly 146,000 acres within Porter 162
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Appendix
County. This is 54% of all land within the county. Market Value of all production was over $37 million. The arguments for agricultural preservation at the local level are different from other industrial sectors because they do not dwell upon job creation or wage growth. Farming by nature does not yield nearly as many jobs or wages as other industries, but there are many economic reasons why significant areas of farmland should be preserved. These reasons typically fall into three primary arguments. The first is the support or growth of industires that rely upon agricultural products, such as food manufacturing. For Indiana, manufacturing is a highly sought after industry because of the large amounts of skilled labor available, the generally high concentration of jobs created by one development and relatively high wages. Examples of local Indiana food manufacutring include dairy product manufacturing, starch manufacturing, grain manufacturing, and animal slaughtering and processing manufacturing. Overall, food manufacturing is not one of Porter County’s industry strengths (only 85 jobs in 2006). While the county’s agricultural specialities do not necessary lend themselves to supplying food manufacturing facilities, (specialities include vegetables, fruts, sheep, goats, horses and ponies) the county still produces enough corn and grain related agriculture to potentialy be used in a manufacturing related process. It is not beyond reason why Porter County could not yet support a future food manufacturing / processing facility. The county used to be a center for the popcorn industry, which has since moved facilities away from Porter County. With rising fuel costs and initiatives to support cities through more locally based agricultural products, there may be future opportunities related to this industrial sector. Preserving the farmland that would support such an initiative is paramount, as the costeffectiveness of the venture lowers the futher a plant is located from its based of supply (agriculture). The second argument for the preservation of agricultural land is that it costs less to serve in public infrastructure than replacement development would, thus keeping overall property taxes low. In other words, the net property tax gain of farmland is higher than that of residential development typically built over farmland becaues of the large amounts of infrastructure and utilities needed to serve the new development. Whether this is true of Porter County or not relies upon a subsequent fiscal analysis not part of this study. This is especially true due to the PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
Typical agricultural landscapes in Porter County.
Figure 2-4:
Porter County - Most Valuable Agricultural Commodi�es
Commodity Corn for Grain Grains, Oilseeds, Dry Beans and Dry Peas Hogs and Pigs Forage Cattle and Calves
Sales $60.3m
State Rank 44
$25.7m
50
$10.7m $4.6m $4.5m
63 55 70
source: U.S. Census of Agriculture, 2002
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new Indiana State property tax laws planned to go into effect in late 2008. The third argument is one of quality of life - agricultural lands protect open space, viewsheds, and generally act as an amenity that appeals to both residents and tourists. The growth of population and housing units in the southern areas of Porter County certainly speaks to the appeal of these largely rural, agricultural areas. The population growth analysis of the previous chapter showed increased in-migration due much to the growth trends of the Chicago Metropolitan area. Based on this and the preferred housing type (single-family home), it is clear that many new residents are choosing Porter County because of its rural appeal, which is due in most part to the large areas of agricultural land and open space.
Impacts: There is a good chance that any future food manufacturing / processing plant would be located outside of major populations centers, along a county corridor. This depends upon exactly what type of plant it is, local zoning ordinances, and what impact it is likely to have on nearby residential neighborhoods in urban or suburban areas. Farmland itself is found throughout the county, though the bulk of it is located in the southern and eastern parts of the county, in Porter, Boone, Morgan, Pleasant and Washington townships. However, where farmland is currently the most “threatened” is in the more northwestern townships of Union, Center, Liberty and Portage counties. Clearly, a balance of growth vs. agricultural preservation will be needed if this is to be a future economic development initiative for the county. 2.2.6 Tourism Tourism, along with Retail, Health Services and Education, is one of the major service oriented sectors that many geographies are targeting for economic development. Porter County has a major tourism draw with the Indiana Dunes National Seashore, and Indiana Dunes State park. Based on Department of Natural Resources estimates, 2 million people enter through the gates of the National Seashore every year.
Figure 2-5:
Porter County - Most Specialized Agricultural Commodi�es
Commodity Vegetables, Melons, Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes Sheep, Goats and their Products Horses, Ponies, Mules, Burrows and Donkeys
Sales
State Rank
$3.2m
4
$79k
17
$289k
13
source: U.S. Census of Agriculture, 2002
An argument made by the American Farmland Trust (www. farmland.org) is that a significant stock of agricultural land helps keep property taxes down for local residents. This is because they u�lize very limited amounts of u�li�es, while the tax gains from new commercial, residen�al and industrial development on top of farmland are o�en mi�gated by the costs of providing u�li�es.
Despite this high touism traffic, the tourism industry is largely underdeveloped within Porter County. Tourism related employment sectors represented only 2% of all private jobs within the county in 2006. This is a drop from 3.3% in 2001. Between 2001 and 2002, the accomodation subsector saw a large loss of employment - over 500 jobs. This could be related to the general downturn of tourism nationally during the recession of 2001-02. However, the accomodation subsector never recovered those jobs, and still stands at less than half of its employment in 2001. Recent accomodation growth near Valparaiso may prove to stimulate this subsector (unknown 164
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DEVELOPMENT & MARKET ASSESSMENT until the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases more current data) but much of this development is related to business travelers rather than tourism.
Appendix
NAICS 713 Amusements, Gambling and Recretaion has seen modest job growth - but it is unclear whether this is tourism related. The growth area within this subsector was Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers, which is typically oriented more towards existing residents than the tourism industry. Despite these indicators, most of the future economic development initiatives related to tourism are likely to be focused in the northern areas of the county away from the county corridors within this study. Currently, there are very few reasons why a tourist would venture south of I-80. This is primarily due to a lack of tourism related destinations. There are two opportunities that could help draw tourists to other parts of Porter County. Both would have an impact upon county corridors. The first is a planned “Eco-Trail” which would incorporate a multi-use trail along Route 49. This trail, whose primary purposes are to incorporate an environmentally friendly planting scheme along a major county corridor, also would connect to several multi-use trails in the northern that already exist in the northern third of the county. The Eco Trail would at least connect Chesterton to Valpariaso, and perhaps further south to the Kankakee River. It is worth noting that this initiave may be worth more as a quality of life amenity to existing residents rather than a driver of tourism. Considering natural features within Porter County, the Kankakee River offers potential recreation options. One current problem is a lack of access by the public. If such access is provided, there is a possibility that the River could be utilized for expanded tourism / recreation traffic.
Porter County’s rural character is likely a major appeal to new residents who are looking for differing choices than urban or suburban Chicago, as well as exis�ng residents who may be moving further away from urban areas to flee growth in the northern part of the county.
Porter County’s major tourism des�na�on - the Indiana Dunes Na�onal Seashore and State park - draws in over 2 million visitors a year, but presently has li�le to no impact on county corridors within unincorporated county, as there are few des�na�ons to draw people off of the “beaten path”.
Impacts: Any short-term tourism related opportunities are likely to be concentrated along Route 49. This mostly includes the areas, if any, impacted by the Eco-Trail. It is unlikely that the Kankakee will serve as a short-term destination to bolster tourism. Other tourism / visitor traffic that may utilize specific heritage or historic sites within the county, or destinations like Valparaiso University, are unlikely to provide significant impact worth studying at this time.
The Kankakee River might open up recrea�on opportuni�es on at the southern end of the County, if access is improved. PART 4: Implementation Toolbox
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Appendix Economic Development Impact Areas Unincorporated Porter County Corridors
New Community Health (County) Hospital
The new hospital facility run by Community Health will employ approximately 2,000 people. As it is moving to Valparaiso, other health care related businesses may move with the facility. This could impact a significant portion of currently open land in all directions from the planned site.
Proposed Memorial Hospital
Another new private hospital is proposed along Route 49 within the City of Valparaiso. If built, it could add another 2,000 hospital related jobs to the county.
Future “Healthcare” Corridors
The concentration of nearly 4,000 jobs within 5 miles of each other along Route 49 will have major land use impacts in terms of business growth. This will likely include both office and retail. Route 6 is likely to experience some growth as well, as the new Community Health hospital will be only 6 miles to the east of the existing Porter / Portage hospital. Route 49 north of Route 6 towards Chesterton is also likely.
Airport
The airport and land surrounding is appropriate for various types of growth, mainly due to its multi-modal transportation connections. Potential growth in specialized manufacturing and logistics would benefit by locating in this area - especially considering the entire airport area will be planned and targeted for employment growth.
Farmland
Green areas generally designate “Prime” and “Good” farmland within the county. They represent the base for the county’s agricultural economy. Route 49, Route 8 and Route 2, and Route 6 are high impact areas in regards to agricultural preservation.
Proposed Route 49 Trail
The proposed multi-use trail will connect to existing trails in the northern part of the county, but its impact on tourism development will likely be limited in the short-term. Incorporated Areas Study Corridors Primary Impact Zone Corridor Impact 166
Existing Hospital Planned Economic Development Incubator RATIO Architects, Inc. | Development Concepts, Inc. | BF&S Civil Engineers
Kanakakee River
The Kankakee may be an opportunity for expanded recreation opportunities, though access to the river is currently limited. Porter County Corridor Plan
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Appendix
3 | Retail Development Opportunities 3.1 OVERVIEW
Porter County’s growth has led to an increase in demand for retail goods and services. Though more retailers have moved into the county to better serve customers - who have higher incomes on average than in neighboring counties - a great deal of shopping is still done in shopping areas outside of the county. In particular, this includes the Southlake Mall / US30 corridor in Merrillville / Hobart to the west, and the Marquette Mall area in Michigan City to the east. Analysis shows that a great deal of retail dollars still “leaks” to these areas - and others - outside of the county, rather than being spent within the county. This follows historic growth patterns - only until recently has Porter County grown to be of a size large enough to draw more retail business, which in this part of Indiana has always been concentrated in more populous Lake County. However, retailers are beginning to expand within Porter county, following the general cycle of growth within a suburban county where retail is begining to follow residential growth - or, as the adage goes - “retail following rooftops”. There is enough demand for retail goods within Porter County to drive a notable amount of retail development for the next several years, growth which might continue if the county maintains its current population growth rates. New retail is most likely to show up in the form of national “big-box” and restaurant forms that often sprawl out along high-trafficked corridors. This has particular concern for unincorporated county corridors as retail development begins to push away from incorporated areas into cheaper, open land in areas such as Route 2, Route 49 and Route 6.
3.2 METHODOLOGY The retail analysis for the Porter County Corridor Plan examined the gap between retail demand and retail supply within the county. It also utilized a “competing centers” assessment which mapped mid to large scale retail areas in Northwest Indiana to better understand spending trends within the region. Understanding where recent retail development / investment has occured, combined with an analysis of how much additional retail could be supported in the county and likely employment trends is used to assess where likely future retail development is likely to *want* to occur based on current market factors.
Porter County’s recent retail growth suggests that it is moving into the 2nd phase of suburban growth outlined by Joel Garreu in “Edge Ci�es”. A�er an area experiences a certain “cri�cal mass” of residents, it begins to a�ract retail that moves outward from the central city. Later, professional oriented jobs and commercial development follows retail development and con�nued residen�al growth.
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Three Stages of Suburban Growth
1
Residential Growth
2
3
New Retail & Services to Serve Population
Development of Professional Offices & Business
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Appendix
3.3 RETAIL DEMAND Demand for retail can be determined, in part, through a retail leakage analysis. The methodology for the analysis can be found on the right. Generally speaking, there appears to be a significant amount of retail leakage within Porter County meaning that many residents are using outside areas to shop for the everyday goods or leisure items they desire. The population growth that Porter County has experienced has created addtional demand for retail goods that retailers have just started to begin to meet. Anecdotally, Porter County has already seen recent interest from retail oriented deveopers, particularly in Valparaiso and Portage. Given this assessment, Porter County should be prepared to experience more interest from retail developers, paticularly along major corridors in peripheral areas where large scale “big box” developer is most suitable.
Figure 3-1:
Poten�al Retail Growth in Porter County based on Exis�ng Expenditure Leakage (Capture Rate = 50%) Retail Gap
NAICS 44-45, 722
Total Retail Trade & Food & Drink
$493,646,998
44-45
Total Retail Trade
$416,552,156
722
Total Food & Drink
$77,094,842
A Retail Surplus/ Leakage Analysis determines the demand for various types of retail within a given geography. Sales of existing retail establishments within a certain geography are estimated (supply) in relation to the expected retail expenditures of households living within the same geography (demand). The difference between these two numbers is the “Retail Gap.” A negative number (red) indicates a “surplus,” meaning that a geography’s retail establishments have higher sales than residents are demanding, and therefore that area is “importing” retail. A positive number (green) indicates that there is “leakage” of retail dollars outside of the geography. These dollars typically “leak” to retail establishments found outside of the core geography, but if an analysis of a wider area still shows leakage, then this represents “pent-up” or “latent” demand that is not currently served in the marketplace. source: ESRI Business Analyst
3.4 REGIONAL RETAIL COMPETITION By examining regional competitive centers, an understanding of where retail dollars in Porter County are leaking to can be achieved. Porter County does not yet have a shopping area that qualifies as a Super Regional Center. Two Super Regional Centers are located just outside the county in both Lake County and La Porte County. It is in these areas that most of the leakage - nearly $500 million in retail expendictures - occurs. See map on next page
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Despite close proximity, neither of the two super regional shopping centers in Northwest Indiana are located in Porter County.
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Appendix Regional Retail Competition Porter County and Environs
Primary Areas of Retail Leakage
Lighthouse Place Outlets
Michigan City
Chesterton / I-90 River Oaks Shopping Center
Marquette Mall Route 6
Dr
ive
)
Portage La Porte
15
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le
Ra
diu
s(
~3
0m
in.
Gary
US 2 Development US 41 / Indianapolis Blvd
US 31 / WestďŹ eld - Southlake
Valparaiso
LA PORTE
PORTER LAKE
Super Regional Center Regional Center Community Center Specialty Retail Area
source: DCI Research and Analysis
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Appendix
3.5 SUPPORTABLE RETAIL SPACE Based upon the Retail leakage analysis, this report determines that if Porter County captured 50% of the retail dollars that are leaking outside of the county, it would support over 600,000 square feet of new retail, dining and grocery businesses (see Figure 3-2). For reference, if one compared this number to a supercenter sized retailer, it would equate to approximately 4 new Wal-Marts. 100% capture of retail dollars is unlikely because Porter County is not yet a retail destination, and super regional centers in Michigan City and Merrillville are likely to sustain their roles in the near future, offering various luxury items (though probably not everyday items required by Porter residents) not offered locally. It should be noted that the numbers in Figure 3-1 only represent existing demand for retail goods within Porter County. They do not address the increase in demand that will occur with steady population increase, nor the retail demand from new employees who work but do not live in the county.
Figure 3-2:
Poten�al Retail Growth in Porter County based on Exis�ng Expenditure Leakage (Capture Rate = 50%)
Retail Type
Potential Supported Square Footage
Capture Rate
50%
Grocery / Convenience
28,000
-
55,700
General Retail (Dept. Stores, Clothing, Supercenters, Shoes, Furniture, etc.)
490,000
-
985,000
Dining & Entertainment
93,000
-
187,000
100%
source: ESRI Business Analyst and DCI Analysis
Based on leakage data, the following is a list of the most likely retailers to want loctate in Porter County;
• Supercenter type retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Meijer or Costco.
• Moderately priced department stores such as JCpenny,
Kohl’s, etc. • National or regional furniture or home furnishings businesses like Pier 1, etc. • Both Limited and Full Service Restaurants • Grocery Stores To underscore this analysis, some of the retail business types identified above have recently moved into Porter County. Kohl’s for instance, has built a new store on Route 6 in Portage, while JCPenney is part of a large (670,000 sf) retail development on Route 2 in Valparaiso. Retail development has been increasing in Porter County to serve the growing popula�on base. Much of the new retail is on the periphery of the two major ci�es. Valparaiso has been experiencing faster retail development - this is likely due to the higher household incomes found in that part of the county.
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Porter County Corridor Plan
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Appendix
Retail Development Impact Areas Unincorporated Porter County Corridors
Northern Route 49
This section of Route 49 links the two interstates and Indiana Dunes Park with points south in the county. It is also one of the geographic “centers” of the county in terms of population. Retail may move southward along the 49 corridor towards the new Community Health Hospital.
Route 6
This corridor is liable to have a significant amount of pressure applied for retail development. Retail is migrating east from Hobart to growing areas in Porter County, much of the land on this corridor represents the largest, easiest parcels of land for large-scale development in Portage, and the future Community Health Hospital will create a second major employer to “bookend” the corridor.
Valparaiso
This area has seen the highest velocity of retail growth, partly due to residential growth, as well as the fact that Valparaiso has the highest median household incomes within the county. Significant development along Route 2 has already pushed to the eastern side of Route 49,and may continue east along Route 2 and south along Route 49, combined with other likely commercial and industrial development.
Kouts
Incorporated Areas Study Corridors
With the high percentage of growth occuring in the southern part of the county, there may be an increased demand for locally serving goods (conveniance stores, grocery, restaurants) in Kouts despite proximity to Valpariaso.
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