Developer Craig Van Prooyen received tentative subdivision approval for the second phase of his Hunters Glen North duplex project in Merrillville.
While most of the issues involved with the 16-lot development in the 8500 block of Merrillville Road have been resolved, Merrillville Plan Commission members raised concerns Jan. 16 about the slope and future maintenance plan for the retention pond on site.
“It looks as though the slope at 85th Drive into the pond is steeper than the 4 to 1 ratio. It looks too steep,” commission member Robert Bigelow said.
He asked if the pond’s slope could be extended at that location or a fence placed at the top for safety’s sake.
Engineer Ryan Marovich said the slope was designed to be 4 to 1, adding it appears some final grading is needed.
Commission president Brian Dering said he was worried that three to four generations of homeowners later, when Van Prooyen is no longer in charge of the development and its homeowners’ association may not be functioning, no one will maintain the retention pond.
“The ponds have failed in other neighborhoods and we have had lawsuits,” Dering said.
Van Prooyen said he’s in control of the development until it’s 100 percent sold. After that, homeowners are responsible.
“It’s in the covenants they signed,” Van Prooyen said.
Town Attorney Joseph Svetanoff said he didn’t believe the town could dictate language in the homeowners’ association documents.
Bigelow also asked if Van Prooyen had yet made a cash donation for a park in the 5th Ward, as was requested by the town.
Van Prooyen said he would make the donation upon final approval.
The Hunters Glen North subdivision, a continuation of the adjacent Hunters Glen South, was put on hold until Van Prooyen put in the retention pond for both his development and the adjacent Hindu Cultural Center, built a berm to shield the cultural center from vehicle headlights during religious ceremonies, and made the cash donation to the town.
The town, for its part, promised to extend 86th Avenue for the development. It has been partially extended.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
