Town of Munster Indiana

Tiptoe thru Town

with the Munster Civic Foundation

The Munster Civic Foundation (MCF) is dedicated to supporting projects and events that promote, foster, and encourage community spirit and pride.

The MCF was created in 1990 through an endowment from the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, the parent company of Community Hospital. For over three decades the MCF has funded various projects; sponsoring the July 3rd fireworks, purchasing flags and holiday decorations, contributing to the first bike path and the Munster pool, and assisting 2008 flood victims are a few ways the MCF has made a positive impact.

This year, we are thrilled to announce a multi-piece public art project featuring giant tulip sculptures measuring 5 feet high by 2 feet wide that will create a colorful town-wide exhibit for Munster residents and visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Tulip

After many years without a new initiative, the MCF Board committed to revitalizing the organization and formed subcommittees to imagine and lead new projects. The Art Committee soon identified a project to garner attention and enthusiasm for the MCF.

The process was a collaborative effort with input from residents, MCF board members, the Munster Chamber of Commerce, and outside art experts from IU Northwest and the South Shore Arts. Pat Popa, who led the Highland Ducks and Humane Indiana Owl public art projects, also shared valuable insight and experiences to help guide us to success.

The art committee desired a cheerful subject that would evoke joy and hope after a long, gloomy period under the pandemic, community-wide appeal, and reflect the MCF’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Munster.

After considering several subjects, a tulip became the obvious choice. As the first flower to bloom after a long winter, it marks a new season and fresh beginnings. Since Munster was founded by Dutch farmers, the tulip is also a cheery nod to the Town’s history.

The Tulip: Sketch to Sculpture

Tyler Kaufman—a sophomore studying graphic design at IU Northwest—designed the larger-than-life tulip sculpture. Tyler’s professors recommended him for the project and mentored him throughout the process. The 19-year-old Crown Point resident worked diligently to create the MCF art committee’s vision. Tyler first presented three sketches based on initial direction; he then refined the preferred sketch. Next, Tyler created a 3-D model for final approval. Currently, the fabricator is making a prototype and model of Tyler’s creation.

One of the central points of pride for the Town of Munster, is its consistently top-ranked education system. For more information on Munster schools, click on the School Town of Munster's website at www.munster.k12.in.us

www.cpsc.gov

View Website: NICTD West Lake Corridor Project

Construction Updates: West Lake Corridor (nictdwestlake.com)

Hotline: 219-296-6004

The Northwest Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) is constructing the West Lake Corridor Commuter Rail Project – an 8-mile southern branch extension of the South Shore Line to provide direct commuter rail service from Chicago, Illinois to the high-growth areas of central and southern Lake County, Indiana.

The project begins in Hammond and extends south through Munster to the Munster-Dyer town line. There will be two stations located in Munster: one on Manor Avenue, north of Ridge Road, and the other on the western extension of Main Street.

The project purpose is to increase transportation options for central and southern Lake County residents, improve mobility and accessibility, and stimulate local job creation and economic development opportunities in Lake County. NICTD intends to be operating trains on the line by 2025.

Construction began on the Munster portion of the project in 2022.

• Work began at the north end of town with the construction of two bridges over the Little Calumet River: one for the tracks and one for the Monon Trail.
• Utilities, including the Town’s water and sewer mains, have been relocated to eliminate conflicts with the new tracks and supporting infrastructure.
• North of Ridge Road, retaining walls have been constructed to support the new tracks.
• Rough grading and storm sewer work have begun at the site of the Munster/Dyer station at the south end of the project.

Coming in 2023, expect to see work continuing south through Town. 

Associated Documents:  

• Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision (March 1, 2018)
• Resolution 2023: Ridge and Manor Station Preference (March 20, 2017)
• Town of Munster Official DEIS Comments (February 3, 2017)
• Resolution 2010: Support of Commuter Rail Service Extension (May 16, 2016)
• Resolution 2008: For Commuter Rail Services on Main Street Station (April 25, 2016)
• Resolution 1991: Interlocal Cooperation Agreement to provide resources for commuter rail services (August 11, 2014)
• Memorandum of Agreement for Acquisition of CSX Rail Line (February 1, 1993)
• Federal Transit Administration General Acquisition & Relocation Information

The year 2007 marked the Centennial Anniversary for the Town of Munster.  But its history started long before Munster was a town.

The history of the Town is connected to the growth of the railroad. Settlers arriving in the 1850s arrived by rail; these early residents of the area raised crops and provided dairy products to the profitable Chicago markets.  Like many immigrants, the family name of Jacob Monster had been anglicized to Munster. Jacob Munster opened a General Store on Ridge Road in 1870 that provided groceries, hardware, dry goods, and an oak desk that was the area's first U.S. Post Office. In 1907, the community distinguished one of its first residents by forming a municipality, the Town of Munster.

In 1976, The Munster Historical Society was organized by a group of citizens. The Munster Historical Society collects, preserves, and promotes the history of the Town of Munster.  The Historical Society offices are located in the Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Road.  For more information, you can call them at 219-836-6530. 

About Centennial Village
Centennial Village Development is a public-private partnership between the Town of Munster and CVP Partners. The purpose of the Centennial Village Development is to provide the Town of Munster with a sustainable, mixed-use, walkable community at the intersection of Calumet Avenue and 45th Street. Centennial Village will be located on the former Munster Steel site, which has been moved to Hammond through a redevelopment agreement by the Town of Munster. This redevelopment will also provide the Town of Munster the necessary land area to facilitate design and construction of the 45th Street underpass and realignment. 

Springhill Suites
Centennial Village Construction Kicks Off in Munster - NWI Times, June 21, 2016
The first building under construction on the Centennial Village Property is a four-story Springhill Suites by Mariott. Located at the corner of Calumet Avenue and Superior Street, the new 62,000-square-foot hotel will feature 99 hotel rooms, a pool, patio and sun deck, exercise room and café. The property also will include meeting space with AV capabilities for group meetings and conferences. The hotel is expected to open in Fall 2017. 

Next Steps
The developers and architects of Centennial Village are in the process of seeking approval from the Munster Plan Commission and Town Council in order to proceed with the next stages of development. The next phase will be the construction of an 8,000 sq. ft. building with space for two retail tenants, known as "Building D" located along Calumet Avenue just north of the Springhill Suites. The record below shows the recent action taken by the Plan Commission and Town Council related to this building, which is expected to be completed by Fall 2017.

• October 11, 2016
  • Developmental Standards and Building D site plan first presented to Plan Commission
• November 15, 2016
  • Preliminary Plat and Developmental Standards considered on first read by Plan Commission
  • Public hearing for Preliminary Plat and Developmental Standards set for December 13, 2016
• December 13, 2016
  • Building D site plan presented to Plan Commission; Plan Commission voted to continue application for approval to January 10, 2017
  • Developmental Standards sent to Town Council with favorable recommendation for approval
• January 10, 2017
  • Building D site plan approved by Plan Commission, contingent upon approval of Developmental Standards by Town Council
• March 6, 2017
  • Developmental Standards Approved by Town Council
• Tenants named for Building D - "Sushi Restaurant, 'Chipotle of Greek Food', coming to Munster"

The developer has now brought forward a proposal for "Building C", located along Calumet Avenue north of the proposed "Building D". Buildings C and D will frame the main entrance into the development. Building C will be 6,700 sq. ft. with space for two retail tenants. It is expected to be completed by Fall 2017.

• March 14, 2017
  • Building C Site Plan presented to Plan Commission, approved contingent upon review of landscape, lighting, and utilities plans by staff

Associated Documents

• Plan Commission Minutes
• Preliminary Plat and Developmental Standards as approved by Plan Commission
• Developmental Standards as approved by Town Council
• Building D site plan as approved by Plan Commission 
• Findings of Fact Approving Preliminary Plat and Developmental Standards
• Building C site plan as approved by Plan Commission

Rental Information
For rental information, please visit Centennial Village's website at https://www.cvmunster.com/ 

View website: West Lake Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan

About Transit-Oriented Development
As NICTD works through the process to bring the West Lake Corridor project to life, the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) has begun working with communities and consultants on the prospect of "transit-oriented development" (TOD). This is a planning process that is being used to strengthen NICTD's application for federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration "New Starts" program for the West Lake Project. 

Transit-oriented development considers the feasibility of compact, walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use communities centered around high quality train systems. The RDA is working with Farr Associates to create TOD plans for the station locations currently proposed by NICTD. The RDA seeks to ensure through this planning process that if the West Lake Corridor Project is successful, communities are ready to capitalize on the new transportation infrastructure for the benefit of residents. The RDA has no eminent domain authority. No government entity can exercise eminent domain authority for the purpose of private development. 

Please visit the West Lake TOD Website at http://westlaketod.civicpage.com for more information on this portion of the project, including a full list of Frequently Asked Questions. 

Public Hearings
The RDA and Farr Associates have hosted three public hearings in Munster to gather resident feedback and share progress on the development of the TOD plan. These were held on October 25, 2016, February 14, 2017, and May 30, 2017. 

The first public hearing introduced residents to transit-oriented development. Farr and Associates presented examples of TOD projects in other municipalities to gauge resident's interest in different types of housing, businesses, and building styles. At the second public hearing, Farr and Associates presented three TOD concept schemes for each of the two proposed stations in Munster. These schemes were created using the feedback gathered from residents at the first public hearing. At the third public hearing, a single TOD concept plan was presented for each of the two stations in Munster. The plans were developed using the feedback gathered at the second public hearing. Residents had the opportunity to comment on the schemes as presented. Feedback from this hearing will be used to further refine the TOD concept plans that will be included in NICTD's application for federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration "New Starts" program. 

Documents from Public Hearings

November 18, 2020 TDD Public Engagement Session - Presentation Materials, Presentation Video

November 18, 2020 Steering Committee - Presentation Materials, Presentation Video

October 25 Public Hearing - Full Presentation
October 25 Public Hearing - Survey Results

February 14 Public Hearing - Full Presentation
February 14 Public Hearing - Munster/Dyer Station Schemes

May 31 TOD Open House - Full Presentation

Other Documents:

• Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority - Comprehensive Strategic Plan, 2016 Update
• West Lake Corridor and South Shore Line Strategic Planning Investments: A Regional Benefits Analysis
• House Bill 1144 - Regarding South Shore rail transit development districts
• RDA TDD Steering Committee - Ouarterly Update to Committee

1. Setting Goals and Objectives for the Entire Community
2. Ways to Keep the Plan Relevant and Responsive to the Needs of the Community
3. Legal Uses for Land-Use Regulations and a Guide for Capital Improvement Plan

The Town of Munster maintains three underground utilities. We are a wholesale customer of water from the Hammond Water Works Department. This means we own and operate the distribution system for water. Additionally, we are a member of the Hammond Sanitary District. The District owns and maintains all the pump stations, pressurized mains, retention basins, and the sanitary sewage treatment plant. The Town owns and maintains the gravity drains. Finally, we own and maintain our stormwater system, which manages over-land water from rain and snowmelt.

Each of these different utilities should be looked at as an enterprise that we are all stakeholders in.

At their December 20^th meeting, Council received a presentation by a utility rate consultant. This presentation went through the current costs of maintaining our utility enterprises.

These utility enterprises have significant maintenance needs, particularly in our water utility. Munster has experienced over 30 water main breaks a year for the past three years. This is not normal for a system of our size, or sustainable. Additionally, all seven of our water towers are due to be reconditioned. If this necessary maintenance is deferred, it places in question not only the reliability of our water pressure but our ability to continue to deliver this resource safely and consistently.

The situation we find ourselves in is a result of the Town having under-charged for the cost of service for decades. This is understandably a very common practice. Many cities and towns do not want to charge their residents the actual cost of providing the service and therefore either subsidize their utilities from other sources or simply lower their service expectations until a catastrophic failure that will end up costing more than gradual rate increases for routine maintenance. 

It is no secret that street flooding is an issue during intense rain events. These intense rain events are happening at increasingly frequent intervals. Our stormwater system was constructed with the assumption that the weather we experienced when the system was designed would be the weather that we would experience indefinitely. As it happens, that is not the case. To effectively address street flooding and other stormwater challenges, we must recalculate our stormwater fee. As it is, the current stormwater fee supplements the sewer user fees we receive from the Hammond Sanitary District to maintain our sanitary sewer collection system. If a new fee is adopted, the Town will have the capacity to improve stormwater capacity and drainage. 

I would encourage you to review these documents and participate in the conversation on how best to steward our resources. 

Information and Notices concerning the Town activities in regards to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic

The purpose of this project is to build upon past planning efforts, evaluate current data and trends, and incorporate the input and perspectives of Munster residents and businesses into a plan that will serve as a guiding document for the growth and development of the Town for a minimum of 10 years. This planning effort will be facilitated by Houseal Lavigne Associates, a professional community planning consultancy based in Chicago, IL. Key outcomes of the plan will be a future land use map, framework plans for transportation, housing, economic development, and community facilities and infrastructure as well as a detailed implementation plan.

Follow this link to the project website: https://munstercompplan-hlplanning.hub.arcgis.com/

The Munster Town Council is aware of the Town’s aging sidewalk and pedestrian access infrastructure and the need to continue to provide safe, effective, and accessible pedestrian travel ways.  In most situations, sidewalks are paid for and installed by property owners – usually when a home or building is constructed.  Per Section 46-101 of the Munster Municipal Code, owners of any dwelling, building, subdivided lot or property shall be responsible for the repair of the sidewalk in front or alongside the property of the owner.  In an effort to offset some of the repair costs, the Munster Town Council has instituted the 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program (Ordinance 1821).

How does the program work?

Under the 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program, the Town pays half the cost of replacing the eligible sidewalk with the property owner paying the other 50 percent. The program covers all existing public sidewalks in the Town, including those in front of homes, businesses, religious institutions, and schools. Participation in this program does not relieve the owner’s responsibility to properly maintain the sidewalk.

Which sidewalks are eligible?

The public sidewalk that is deteriorated or is deemed a trip hazard is eligible for the program. The Town assumes the total cost for the replacement of areas of an intersection where the sidewalk extends to the street corner (i.e., curb ramps).

How do you determine which sidewalks get fixed?

There are two ways sidewalk repairs are added to the program:

1. Town-identified hazards: The Town has performed an inspection of all public sidewalks and has categorized sidewalk conditions on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the worst condition. Each year the Town will identify sidewalks to be replaced based on the available budget, sidewalk condition rating, proximity to schools, parks, and other high-pedestrian traffic areas, and other risks/benefits.
2. Resident requests: Residents may request to participate in the program by filling out the form on the website or contacting Public Works at 219-836-6970 or 219-836-6971. Public Works staff will visit the site to determine the extent of the repair, appropriate repair method, and estimated cost. Requests must be received by May 1 to be considered for this construction season. Applications received after May 1 will be added to the list for the following year.

The work is added to the contractor’s scope of work only upon full payment of the property owner’s 50% match to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office by the deadline.

How will the sidewalk be repaired?

The repair method used, replacement or lifting will depend on the cause and severity of the damage. Most repairs will be made by completely removing and replacing the damaged slabs. Often tree roots must be removed under the sidewalks to prevent problems from recurring.  The Public Works Department Representative will determine the proper method of repair during a site inspection.

How much does it cost?

In 2022, a standard 5-foot x 5-foot sidewalk square costs approximately $255 to replace, of which half will be paid by the property owner.

Lifting will be used in limited situations. The cost to lift one sidewalk square is $110.

Please note that we anticipate prices to increase substantially in 2023 due to nationwide cement shortages.

What improvements are included?

1. Sidewalk lifting or replacement
2. Root cutting, if necessary
3. Repairs to irrigation systems damaged during construction
4. Yard Restoration

What is not included?

1. Replacement of existing sidewalks that are not in violation (e.g., cosmetic reasons)
2. Repair of driveways or drive aprons
3. Repair of sidewalks on private property (including walks in the parkway)
4. Installation of new sidewalks for new home construction
5. Installation of new sidewalks at existing homes

 Homeowners’ responsibilities:

 To help ensure the best outcome:

1.  If you have in-ground sprinklers, please mark the location of the sprinkler heads adjacent to the sidewalks, if possible. This will help avoid damage to the irrigation system.
2. Please inspect your irrigation system after sidewalk removal. Notify the town as soon as possible if repairs are necessary.
3. During the construction, we ask that irrigation systems be turned off. Water from the sprinklers can damage newly poured concrete.
4. Restoration will include placement of topsoil and seed in disturbed grass areas. We ask that you water these areas to ensure proper establishment of the grass.

Who does the work and when?

The Town solicits bids from contractors each year for the sidewalk replacement program. In 2022, the contract was awarded to JJ Newell Concrete Contractors, Inc. of Crete, IL.

The construction schedule is determined by the contractor. Work is anticipated to occur in late summer. Residents will receive notification from the Town prior to the start of work.

I would like to make additional concrete repairs at my property. What do I do?

Additional concrete repairs (e.g., additional public sidewalks not eligible for the program, private walks, driveways, and patios) may be negotiated directly with the Town’s contractor. This work is not included in the 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program; the cost of these repairs will be the full responsibility of the property owner. Please contact the contractor directly for additional information.

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News

• 2024 Town of Munster 4th of July Parade Sponsored by the Munster Lions Club
  New Parade Route:
• News You Can Use - May 2024
• Lake County Solid Waste Management District Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program is for residents of Lake County only
  Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program is for residents of Lake County

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Services

Abandoned Vehicles	Accident Reports	Animals
Bad Weather	Basements	Bicycle Registration
Blight Abatement	Branch Pickup	Business Crime Watch Program

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Useful Links

2024 Summer Recreation Now Available	2024 Summer Recreation Guide	Munster Town Council Meeting-April 15, 2024
2024 Car Show Registration Form	Munster Junior Woman's Club Raises Funds for Autism Awareness Project	Job Opening: Part Time Office Clerk for Parks Department
Munster Town Council Meeting-April 1, 2024	Munster Ranked Among Top 5 Safest Cities in Indiana by Safewise	Registration for Munster's 2024 National Night Out Block Party Contest is NOW OPEN!

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