Development News for Peru, Indiana

IDEM Accepts E.coli Testing Resolution; Long-Term Control Plan Update

The city has received acceptance from the IDEM for their resolution regarding E.coli testing issues and UV board replacement [cite: 286-290]. The new testing method is yielding results well below limits [cite: 291-294]. IDEM has requested further documentation to use this situation with other labs in the state [cite: 299-303]. Bowen is proceeding with material ordering and procurement for the long-term control plan [cite: 321-323]. Mobilization dates are expected in late summer, with more information available in the next couple of months [cite: 326-332].

Lead Service Line Project Update; Mobile Home Parks Face Utility Shut-offs

Updates were provided on the lead service line replacement project, phase one and two [cite: 497-498]. A presentation on this project was given to the council and public on June 1st [cite: 494-496]. Public engagement appears to have increased, with higher than normal views on the YouTube meeting recording [cite: 503-505]. Construction for phase two is tentatively scheduled for early to late August [cite: 527-529]. Additionally, two mobile home parks are facing utility shut-offs due to significant unpaid balances [cite: 530-538]. One park owes $10,000 and was shut off, while another with a $3,000 balance is scheduled for shut-off [cite: 532-535]. The owner of both parks is responsible for these balances [cite: 541-543].

New Jimmy John's Approved; Spec Building Development Planned

Jimmy John's franchisee has received approval to begin demolishing the old Taco John's/Garden Gate building at 8th and Broadway to establish a new Jimmy John's location [cite: 339-346]. A developer has purchased 15 acres south of Eel Cemetery Road (just south of 24) with an option for 15 more acres to construct a 75,000 square foot spec building [cite: 347-352]. The county and Makita are involved to ensure the building is located as far south as possible due to electric service demarcation lines [cite: 352-359]. This development is expected to bring an industrial building to the area, potentially saving money on electricity costs [cite: 366-371].

Lawsuit Filed Over Incident Involving Sign Posting and Hole

The city attorney discussed a lawsuit filed by a woman who fell into a hole while attempting to staple a garage sale sign to a utility pole [cite: 379-382, 399-400, 448-452]. The judge has set a case management schedule, including discovery deadlines, motion deadlines, mediation, and a tentative trial date in 2027 [cite: 383-388]. The city and utilities contend they have no liability, as the woman was committing a criminal act and the hole's origin is unknown [cite: 395-397, 424-433]. The incident occurred in the public right-of-way at the southeast corner of 7th and Grant, an area the city and utilities do not maintain [cite: 401-408, 411-412, 444-446]. There is no known utility infrastructure under the ground in that specific location [cite: 434-440]. The hole has since been filled [cite: 488].