CHESTERTON – Even though construction of the new Porter hospital at U.S. 6 and Indiana 49 south of Chesterton is far from complete, other development in the area has begun.

            Porter County Commissioners are considering a request to rezone 110 acres west of the site for a commercial, office and residential development. The proposal has been approved by the Porter County Plan Commission.

            In the meantime, officials are studying the transportation needs of the area and how it might be impacted once the hospital opens.