SCHERERVILLE | A shopping center developer is working with town officials to tweak plans for a commercial site along U.S. 41.

An amended plan for Oak Street Commons is expected to undergo review during one more Plan Commission study session this month and could be up for a public hearing in December. The petitioner is Plum Creek Investments LLC.

Oak Street Commons is proposed to be built on the east side of U.S. 41, immediately south of Omni 41 Health & Fitness Connection. A component of the development is planned for the opposite side of the highway as well.

At a Plan Commission meeting Monday, commissioners were concerned about a lack of north-south sidewalk connection at the site and also desired more green space for the project. Although the Plan Commission did not support the idea of building a sidewalk along the curb of U.S. 41, members wanted some sort of internal connection between Oak Street and retail to the north.

Commissioner Paul Panczuk said he wants to see a push-button pedestrian crossing across U.S. 41 at Woodhollow Drive. The commercial development likely will provide jobs to teenagers who live in nearby Plum Creek and will walk to work.

Architect Ted Rohn addressed the issue of green space, saying the project incorporates landscaping. But having too much green space will reduce the number of parking spaces, and tenants require a certain amount of parking spaces for their stores.

Rohn said the developer has important upcoming meetings with possible anchor tenants and retailers, and the project needs the support of the town to move forward.

Plan Commission President Bill Jarvis said he just wants to ensure that all the details and issues are tackled now.

The pedestrian-friendly development will be connected internally with sidewalks and will feature benches, seating and decorative planting urns, Rohn said.

Names of possible tenants have not been disclosed.