Chesterton residents would support some growth but are protective of preserving their community’s small-town charm.
That was the observation of Matt O’Rourke of American Structurepoint, who is working with the town on an update of the town’s comprehensive plan.
O’Rourke and his firm have been working alongside town officials and residents for more than a year. He presented some of their findings during Thursday’s special meeting of the town’s advisory plan commission.
There are still more meetings and public hearings ahead before the final product is approved. Chesterton’s last comprehensive plan, which helps guide land use and development policies, was approved in 2010.
O’Rourke said they have developed a vision statement that encapsulates the overarching goals for the next 20 years. The statement says:
“Chesterton is a community where small-town charm, strong neighborhoods, excellent schools and abundant arts and recreational opportunities create an exceptional quality of life for residents of all ages. Through thoughtful growth, diverse housing opportunities, a thriving downtown and a strong local economy, Chesterton will continue to be a destination for living, working, visiting and investing.”
More than 1,500 residents participated in a survey that addressed people’s opinions about Chesterton and what they wanted to see in the future. Some of the major issues identified were:
•Improving transportation and connectivity.
•Investing in parks, recreation and youth amenities.
•Strengthening the downtown through redevelopment, business recruitment, placemaking, dining, entertainment and walkability.
•Supporting housing options that meet changing needs.
•Strengthening economic development, partnerships and implementation through clearer development processes, regional collaboration, funding and coordinated action.
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•Finding ways to better leverage the Indiana Dunes and tourism to support downtown businesses, lodging, local spending and Chesterton’s identity as a gateway community.
Chesterton still has 28% of its land mass that is vacant or underdeveloped. A proposed land use map shows where there is potential for economic development projects at the edge of town.
There are also many vacant lots in between already developed properties.
O’Rourke recommended that town officials reduce their reliance on approving Planned Unit Development agreements for individual projects and enact more predictable zoning standards, overlay districts and design requirements.
A major concern expressed by residents is the need for more affordable housing stock that would meet the needs of first-time home buyers and seniors, O’Rourke said.
Chesterton is not alone, as it is an issue nationwide, especially with rising construction costs for new homes.
“There’s a lot of headwinds for first-time homebuyers,” O’Rourke said.
Advisory Plan Commission member James Kowalski added, “I don’t think anyone has the answer right now.”
O’Rourke suggested that there could be areas within town for more townhomes, duplexes and small Accessory Dwelling Unit housing.
Plan Commission member Thomas Kopko, though, noted that when a high-density neighborhood with townhomes was proposed for the Brassie Golf land property — a significant open piece of land — “people didn’t like that.”
O’Rourke said that the town could look into programs that would financially support people to upgrade and restore some of the older housing stock within the community.
As far as improving the links between Chesterton and the Indiana Dunes, O’Rourke suggested that the town follow the strategy of Grand Haven, Michigan.
Grand Haven, during the tourist high season, has a “trolley” bus that offers easy transportation for tourists.
O’Rourke said the trolley could circulate and connect with the Indiana Dunes attractions and the South Shore Line’s Dune Park Station.
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Chesterton also needs to do a better job of installing wayfinding signs that would aid visiting tourists, O’Rourke said.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.