The town of Merrillville in northwest Indiana has said it doesn't need any more stinkin' renters with their transient lifestyles and criminal tendencies and such:
Council members voted unanimously Tuesday against approving more multifamily developments. The council's vote followed a recent proposal from developer Edward Rose Properties Inc. for a 252-unit complex in the Lake County town a short drive from the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. 30, The Times of Munster reported.
Councilwoman Chrissy Barron said five apartment complexes in her district alone have about 2,000 units and that total doesn't include more being added in two complexes that won earlier approval.
She said an inventory should be made of all apartment complexes in the town to determine how many units are occupied at each complex.
The Post-Tribune of Merrillville reported that Police Chief Joseph Petruch said allowing more apartment construction would put additional demands on police and other municipal services.
If a developer wants to add a 252-unit complex, he must think there's still a market for more apartments, no matter how many there are already. Of course, he could be wrong and take a financial beating, but that's the free-market system for you. Much too messy for the folks who like to take official enventories so they can decide how many units are occupied at each complex.
