Developer and Village Working Together

Village staff has been given a new plan for Metropolitan Partners’ development at the corner of River Road and South Main Street. Significant concerns had been raised when Metropolitan presented its first plan to council.

The initial plan conflicted with both Village and Township zoning regulations in a number of significant ways. For example, the plan called for a building of 20,000 sq. ft. where both village and township zoning provide for a maximum of 10,000 sq. ft. Limitations on building and tenant square footage were mandated by the 1998 Comprehensive Plan Update to help prevent downtown destruction that occurs in communities when development of medium and large box stores takes place. 

The new plan reflects a commitment by Metropolitan’s Jack Lucks to develop the property within the requirements of village zoning. The property covered by the plan is the subject of an annexation request. (See a plat map of the area containing the property requested to be annexed.)

In addition to the change in building sizes the plan calls for the removal of the existing storage sheds. All parking has been moved to the back. In addition to complying with zoning requirements, the movement of the parking to the lower elevation in the rear of the buildings will tend to hide the asphalt parking lot from this entry to the village. All buildings facing on South Main Street have been moved back to the same setback as the existing structure. 

The developer has indicated that building design will be as determined by the village. Easements for all rights-of-way and utilities would be provided by the developer at no cost to community taxpayers.

The plan will be the topic of a work session in Village Council chambers at 6 pm on Wednesday, August 5. According to Village Manager Don Holycross, public comments and questions will be permitted.