Two preliminary plat proposals were approved Tuesday evening by the Warsaw Plan Commission with one of the proposals also receiving a final approval.

A proposal for Mitchell Reserve, a residential addition to the City of Warsaw, was approved unanimously by commission members. The residential addition, developed by Biggs Indiana Properties Inc., Kevin Biggs, Decatur, plans to develop 79 lots on the east side of CR 225E, north of Pontiac Drive, on 37.1 acres.

Jeremy Skinner, city planner, recommended approval of the plat. He noted the preliminary plat meets the requirements of the town’s subdivision ordinance, the lots are adequate size, layout of the roads is adequate in size and proposed connectivity. It was noted the planning office is requesting an additional 15-feet of right-of-way along CR 225E, a right turn lane along that road, and a 25-foot conservation easement abutting Shadow Lakes subdivision.

Adequate space for storm water control design, and utility design is available.

Several individuals expressed support of the plat, but two property owners in Shadow Lakes, adjacent to the proposed addition, spoke up, both expressed concerns.

John Mangun, owner of two lots on the back side of the proposed addition, said the houses in Mitchell Reserve would be smaller than those in Shadow Lakes, where property owners have major investments. He voiced concern about the affect of property values in Shadow Lakes with multifamily units on adjacent properties. He said there has been discussion with the mayor and other individuals regarding the matter.

Justin Love, also an adjacent property owner in Shadow Lakes, asked for further explanation of what the conservation easement would look like.

Skinner explained the easement is a strip of land, that could not be cleared or any trees removed.

Some discussion was held regarding enforcement of covenants and restrictions in Mitchell Reserve. Those would need to be enforced by the homeowners association and the plan commission has no voice in the platting process.

Kevn McDermitt, engineer with Lougheed & Associations, Inc., was present to answer questions. He said the homes will be larger than at Harrison Landing, ranging from 1,400 square feet to 2,000 square feet with three-car garages in most cases. The homes will sell in the range of $140,000 to $200,000.

Commission members asked that the entrance to the addition be checked and if necessary have the traffic commission take a look at it. Jeff Beeler, commission member, noted the entrance on the back side of a hill, expressing a safety concern and possibly see about moving the entrance to a clearer line of site.

Kimal Shores

Commission members spent little time discussing the request by Kim Cox on making four lots at Kimal Shores. The area is located on Kimal Drive south of Anchorage Road.

Skinner said the preliminary plat meets all requirements and the proposed subdivision would only be creating one new lot. Three other lots are already platted.

Skinner said this is not a typical subdivision and the city would not be responsibility for any public utilities or infrastructure. He also noted by approving the plat, it does not guarantee the lots can feasibly be constructed and rules and regulations concerning wetlands, flood plain and adverse soil conditions would have to be met with the building application.

Ken Strong, who wants to build on the fourth lot being added to the area. The desire is to start construction prior to the start of winter.

The commission unanimously approved the preliminary plat and voted to suspend its rules to also approve the final plat.

During other business commission members further discussed Ordinance 2014-10-02, dealing with fences and accessory structures. Tim Dombrosky, assistant city planner, will be looking into height issues of fences near alley ways and roadways before bringing the ordinance back to the commission.

The next meeting of the commission will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10.