The area Habitat for Humanity requested preliminary and final plat approval.

WARSAW — A preliminary plat in Cook subdivision for Habitat for Humanity received approval at the monthly meeting of the Warsaw Plan Commission Monday, Aug. 8. The final plat, however, resulted in extensive discussion and will be brought back for approval at a later date. The area is located at Godman and Columbia streets.

Jeremy Skinner, city planner, stated the request is to create three new lots from the original 1.145 acres or two tracts of land. It was noted the subdivision has the ability to obtain access from the easements and obtain utilities from additional easements. The subdivision also met the requirements for a R-2 district: 7,200 square foot minimum lot size, minimum setbacks, 50 percent maximum lot coverage and building height restrictions.

Skinner did not recommend granting the final plat approval until a few minor plant details are worked out.
Those issues and recommendations were the topics of discussion.

The recommendations of the city engineer, street superintendent and waste water superintendent are:
Ingress and egress access remain through the existing easements including a proposed 10-foot Columbia Street extension to remove the request to describe that 10-foot section as a city right of way.

The 10-foot section referred to as Columbia Street Extended and the 15-foot utility easement would be combined to create a 25-foot utility easement to provide public utility infrastructure, instead of a public street. The area would remain a private access.

The utility easement would provide space to place a new minimum 8-inch sanitary sewer main to serve both lots shown on the proposed plat. The line would run approximately 165 feet south of Godman Street and be built and inspected for compliance with the city’s construction standards.

The final plat called for two 6-inch lateral sewer lines be placed in the right of way area. During the discussion it was recommended an 8-inch line be installed, otherwise homeowners would be responsible to maintain the smaller lines, including any repair and replacement in the future. Installation of an 8-inch line could be turned over to the city for repair and maintenance.

Tom Hardy, with Kimpel & Associates Inc., Warsaw, designers of the project was present to speak with commission members. The expense of installing an 8-inch line was noted. He also expressed concern of tearing up any asphalt. Further discussion will be held with the wastewater department.

The discussion went off topic with neighbors: Diane Warren and Brian Bibler spoke about water problems on their properties. While it was suggested discussion with appropriate entities take place after the meeting, it was noted the proposed swale to be installed should handle the issues.

A request for final approval is expected at a future meeting of the commission after the concerns have been addressed and a resolution worked out.

The next meeting of the commission will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12.