Update 8/28/17 – The Merrillville Planning Commission approved a conceptual PUD for Shreibak’s proposed self-storage development at 240 W. 79th Ave. The concept includes 80 “pod-style” storage units in the parking lot. Though the portable-storage units would be set slightly above ground, planners requested further evaluation to ensure there won’t be flooding or standing-water issues from rain, according to the source.

The property hasn’t experienced any flooding previously, and a site analysis indicated the storage containers wouldn’t affect the drainage pattern, Shreibak told planners during the meeting. Commissioner Brian Dering indicated he was in favor of the development but wanted the city to conduct due diligence.

The proposal requires further approvals from the planning commission and town council. Engineering plans will be reviewed by several town officials, including Matt Lake, executive director of storm-water utility, the source reported.

8/7/17 – Real estate developer Martin Shreibak has submitted a proposal to build a self-storage facility in the parking lot of a Merrillville, Ind., BodyMax fitness center, with consideration to later convert the gym to climate-controlled storage. The new building at W. 79th Avenue would still leave 59 vehicle spaces for employees and members of the health club, according to the source.

The project would require approval as a planned-unit development (PUD). Shawn Pettit, planning commission president, appeared to favor the project during a workshop session last week. “The parking lot on the south side of the building is dead,” Pettit noted. “No one is using it. I don't see anyone remonstrating."

The owner of the fitness center wants to sell the business, Shreibak told commissioners, but he doesn’t believe a health club is the best use for the property since a Planet Fitness is planned for a new development nearby. "I don't know if the fitness center will close. We may run it for a while as we transition from a health club to self-storage," Shreibak said during the workshop.

Shreibak also indicated he’d like to eventually add outdoor storage on the property, but Pettit didn’t favor the idea, the source reported.

The PUD proposal will be heard during an upcoming regular session of the planning commission.

Shreibak is listed as a principal of Munster Storage LLC in Highland, Ind.

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