Merrillville

The Merrillville Town Council has approved a scaled-back solar farm proposal.

Merrillville residents will have a chance to learn about a proposed solar farm development. Lightsource BP is seeking a variance from the town to develop a solar farm with battery storage south of U.S. 30, between Colorado and Clay streets, and west of Grand Boulevard, according to a notice from the Merrillville Board of Zoning Appeals.

Merrillville is looking for an interim town manager. The town says former town manager Patrick Reardon resigned from the role in July.

The Merrillville Town Council hopes a traffic study will cut down on speeding and dangerous driving. Council members agreed Tuesday to request proposals from qualified engineering firms, according to a town press release. The town plans to pay for the study with American Rescue Plan funds.

Changing Merrillville from a series of standalone developments into a cohesive community is one of the needs identified during the town's comprehensive planning process. RDG Planning & Design has begun meeting with residents, as it starts working on the Merrillville Momentum plan for the town.

Merrillville residents have a chance to help guide the town's future. The town says it's looking for 40 residents to serve on its Momentum Community Committee. It'll work with town officials and planners to come up with strategies and projects to be included in a new 20-year comprehensive plan.

The Merrillville Fire Department has shut down two buildings in the Hickory Ridge Lake apartment complex, after the town says firefighters found structural issues and unsafe living conditions.

A longtime Merrillville town council member has died. Donald Spann passed away suddenly Friday at his home, according to a town press release. He was 71. Spann represented Ward 1 for more than a decade, but was not seeking reelection this year.

Merrillville's website has gotten an update.

A portion of Randolph Street will be closed in Merrillville on Wednesday.