(La Porte County, IN) - Plans for a gas station convenience store near Michigan City have been rejected.

 

The La Porte County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously turned down a request for a land use variance at the former La Porte County Public Library branch in Coolspring Township at Johnson Road and 400 North.

 

The structure has been vacant for nearly a decade since the library relocated to a nearby location.

 

Among the surrounding residents speaking out against the proposal was Edward Lake, who expressed concerns about gasoline finding its way into the ground water relied on for drinking purposes in the neighborhood using wells. 

 

“Gasoline stations will certainly have spills and leakage from tanks,” he said.

 

Anthony Novak, an attorney representing the developer, said his client has a solid reputation at other similar establishments he operates.

 

“He’s going to make sure this is done right,” he said.

 

The decision was made during Tuesday night’s BZA meeting.