Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in environment with medium priority
Solid Waste District budget scrutiny
A councilman keeps getting constituent questions about the $6.5 million taxing district showing up on tax bills. The district explained its programs — $2.5 million goes back to cities and towns — but he wants a deeper look at whether the $14-per-household cost is worth it.
Kankakee riverbank sloughing near county park
A growing riverbank collapse south of the county park — and a worse one near the Haberlin property toward Porter County — has farmers worried; funds are reportedly in transition and the river recently jumped up.
Hobart's Lake George filling with sediment and lily pads
Lake George in Hobart is filling with sediment and lily pads to the point it's barely usable, and Hobart's township representative asked the committee for help. Dredging is expensive and hasn't happened in years.
Unauthorized floodway work on Turkey Creek
Alleged septic/sump pumping into roadside swale
The Chupas' attorney and Mr. Chupa allege a neighbor upstream is pumping what may be septic discharge into the swale that drains toward their property. The health department hasn't acted, and the board urged a written complaint to trigger enforcement.
Floodway dredging and fill petitions pending state review
The Crossroads YMCA can now dredge two ponds at the former Pheasant Hills golf course to make them safe for canoeing, spreading the sediment on-site. The state DNR approved the floodway work, and the board found no drainage impact.
Solid fill deposit at 13535 Iowa Street
A property owner wants to deposit solid fill on land in Center Township, something that requires a special exception. Neighbors have been waiting since November as the case gets bounced between bodies and continued.