HOBART - The Plan Commission on Thursday paved the way for construction of a 15,000-square-foot banquet facility on U.S. 30 that will overlook a pond and seat up to 600 people.
The commission approved a one-lot subdivision and the rezoning of 3 acres north of U.S. 30 and west of Utah Street from residential to business to allow for the banquet hall. The facility is being built by Nick and Helen Kaiafas, owners of The Patio restaurant in Merrillville.
"We'll have windows along the back wall so people can see the detention pond area, which will be landscaped," general manager Peter Kaiafas said. He hopes to start construction soon and have the facility ready for spring.
David Lasser, president of Commercial In-Sites realty, who is brokering the land assemblage transaction, told the board the facility will be used for weddings, banquets and meetings. He said the plans include one parking space for every two seats in the building. However, there was no drainage plan submitted because the building will be next to the large detention pond.
Some board members expressed concern over the traffic situation and had asked if a traffic light could be installed there.
The Indiana Department of Transportation declined to install a light there, however, instead asking the owners to install a raised concrete median strip on U.S. 30.
I think IDOT missed the boat on this one," board member Jeff Chidester said.

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