The Duneland YMCA will have the flexibility to rent space for complementary businesses without having to gain zoning approval each time from the town of Chesterton.

Chesterton’s Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday unanimously granted the variance for businesses within a residential zone for the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus at the old Chesterton Middle School site.

The Duneland YMCA has entered a long-term lease agreement with the Duneland School Corporation. The school administration offices, along with a few programs, still occupy the building’s east end.

The large remaining portions of the repurposed school building will, along with the YMCA, house non-profit community service agencies. There is enough space for complementary businesses.

Dave Kasarda, CEO for the Duneland YMCA, said with the location close to the downtown, it’s believed that the Healthy Living Campus will enhance economic development in Chesterton.

“We believe all of that will bring substantial value to the Chesterton community,” Kasarda said.

As part of the variance agreement, the Duneland YMCA will have the Duneland School administration and school board review every application from a prospective business.

Babcock gave as an example that the Northwest Indiana Meals on Wheels is considering locating a small restaurant that would serve senior citizens on site.

Another example would be a small snack shop for the parents of children who participate in the pediatric therapy programs offered by Jacob’s Ladder, which already is in the building.

Babcock also had attached to the agreement a list of what would be considered complementary businesses. They included theater, music, art, childcare, health, medical and dental and community uses.

Kasarda gave an update on the progress of transforming the old school building into the campus.

A large portion of the west side of the building, about 200,000 square feet that included the old Goldsborough Gym, has been demolished.

The auditorium has been retained and a theater group is interested in locating there. A donation has been made toward refurbishing the 550-seat auditorium, Kasarda said.

The lease includes 25 acres of land that had been athletic fields. Cleveland-Cliffs has made a large donation toward the development of a park on that land, which will feature the Dunbar Family Pavilion where events can be held.

Construction site work has begun to clear the way for the construction of the 13,000 square-foot Dr. John and Linnea Forchetti Wellness Center. The addition will be located on the southwest side of the building.

Kasarda said that $8 million has been invested in the sitework, and the Wellness Center is expected to cost an additional $6.5 million. He said the hope is that the footings and ironwork can begin on the center this fall.

Duneland YMCA has already moved most of its programs over to the old school building. After the Wellness Center addition is completed, the YMCA will close its building at 215 Roosevelt Road.

Two Porter Avenue residents, Justin Higgerson and Suzanne Clemens, spoke about their concerns about how the project has already caused traffic issues in the neighborhood. Higgerson said it’s difficult for him to get out of his driveway.

Kasarda said some of the issue was caused when the Brown Mansion on the property had changed a traffic pattern.

BZA Board member James Kowalski said he could sympathize with the residents about the traffic issue, but it’s beyond the scope of the BZA and more about police enforcement.

BZA Board member Fred Owens said the traffic issues are similar to when the property was a school building.

Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.