WARSAW — Three requests were brought before the Warsaw Plan Commission Monday evening, March 14, and three requests were approved.

A favorable recommendation will be sent to the Warsaw Common Council for final plat approval for Section One for Mitchell Reserve, now named Belle Augusta. The preliminary plat was submitted in October of 2014. This recommended approval was for the first 23 lots of a proposed 79 lot subdivision off CR 225E, near Old US 30. The subdivision is being planned by Biggs Property LLC with Kevin McDermit, engineer.

The request to create three new lots from what was originally approved as a condo association of the McKinley Street Subdivision was unanimously approved. Richard Helm, attorney, presented the request for a preliminary and final plat of the property at 212, 214 and 216 N. McKinley Street. The property was originally approved for condominiums however, due to the market, the expansion never occurred beyond the initial three units.

Skinner stated the proposal conforms to the city subdivision control ordinance, with the three lots meeting all development standards in a C-2 zoning district. The residences will have a shared wall as is typical for villas approved in the past. Skinner noted while the request is unusual for such a zoned district, he did not see an issue granting to subdivide the three residential units.

Commission members had several questions regarding responsibility of property upkeep and setbacks. It was noted with the change, instead of going to a condominium association to settle disputes on property upkeep, owners will go to the city like any one else. Regarding the setbacks, it was stated those are already in existence. Skinner did note this zoned area is unusual as it allows a zero side yard setback for “like uses,” and varies from a typical commercial use classification.

Commission members also approved the zoning change of 3.15 acres in the southeast corner of Meijer Drive at US 30, from residential to C-5 Commercial. This would allow for commercial reuse of an existing residential structure. The request was made by Jennifer Kauffman of Kauffman Properties LLC. Skinner noted this would be compatible with surrounding uses, which are already zoned for commercial uses. He added this was one of the properties initially targeted by the plan commission as a possible site to accommodate the C-5 zoning district and large retail establishment use.

Skinner said the rezoning would meet guidelines set out in the city’s comprehensive plan for the area and meet criteria of responsible growth and development. Helm, who represented Kauffman, stated at some future date the city may see plans to construct and expansion of the existing building to move a business there.

Dan Robinson, whose mother resides to the east of that property, had no objection to the rezoning. Additionally it was noted the zoning would not go beyond the ditch area.

The next meeting of the commission will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 11.