Residents of the neighborhoods surrounding Calumet Avenue and Bullseye Lake Road are asking the Valparaiso City Council to reject the proposed commercial rezoning of approximately 6.51 acres at the southwest corner of this intersection.

These properties are currently zoned Urban Residential (UR) and Suburban Residential (SR). Under rezoning petition RZ26-002, the applicant is requesting that the land be changed to Commercial General (CG), which would allow the proposed development of a car dealership.

Our concern goes beyond one specific business. This property has long been residential, and we do not believe this location should be converted to general commercial use. The surrounding area includes established neighborhoods whose residents value the quieter, residential character of this part of Valparaiso. A major commercial development could bring increased traffic, lighting, noise, and other impacts directly across from our homes.

We are also seriously concerned about stormwater runoff and drainage. Our neighborhood already experiences flooding problems near Bullseye Lake Road, the neighborhood pond, and the backyards of several homes. Commercial development involving significantly more pavement and other impervious surfaces raises concerns about additional runoff and the potential to worsen these existing problems.

We support responsible growth and development in Valparaiso, but we believe commercial development should occur in areas appropriately zoned and suited for it not by converting this residential property to Commercial General zoning.

We respectfully ask the Valparaiso City Council to reject RZ26-002 and preserve the residential zoning of these parcels.

Please sign this petition to help keep the southwest corner of Calumet Avenue and Bullseye Lake Road residential.