CROWN POINT - After two hearings and the ironing out of numerous details, the Crown Point Plan Commission granted the go-ahead for a 40,000 square foot cardboard pallet manufacturer to locate in the city.

Gate Pallet Systems will now move its plant and offices from Valparaiso to 2.5 acres in the Harker-Trump Industrial Park at 1207 E. Summit St.

The pallet company, based in Tallahassee, Fla., will employ 20 to 25 people and has the ability to employ 50 to 60 in the future, according to David Lasser of Commercial In-Sites, Merrillville which is brokering the build to suit lease development. 

Lasser also said the cardboard pallets are recyclable, and the plant is the type of light, clean industry Crown Point has sought. 

The construction of Gate Pallet Systems’ new site is set to start this summer, said developers Robert Harker and James Trump. 

However, the commission stated that until storm water drainage requirements are finalized, the development will only receive a permit for the construction of the foundation.

Other conditions set for the development by the commission included:

-      The meeting of three covenants calling for landscaping, the maintenance of all storm water drainage systems and the installation of culverts under driveways. 

-       Paving of a temporary road in the Harker-Trump Industrial Park that will be used during construction, but will later become a parking area. 

-      The submission of legal documents that show the Harker-Trump Industrial Park has been given rights to abandoned railroad property to be used for storm water drainage.

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