Cressmoor Estates developer questioned over plan changes

Proposed changes to the 113-acre Cressmoor Estates planned unit development received a favorable recommendation from the Hobart Plan Commission following lengthy discussion and with several contingencies attached.

Meanwhile, the commission tabled a petition to replat the 197-lot subdivision along U.S. 6 between Wisconsin Street and Lake Park Avenue.

The commission and staff had several concerns over some changes to the original plans proposed by D.R. Horton, which would be the new builder for the residential portion of the development, including the ability to increase the number of rental units in the event of an economic downturn.

“There needs to be something to justify an economic hardship and it should be brought to the City Council to be approved,” City Planner Ross Pietrzak said.

A representative for D.R. Horton said they are asking that the door be left open for more rentals if the economy hits a rough patch.

City engineer Phil Gralik said he was concerned that the new plans call for garages at the townhouse units to be located in the front instead of the back as originally proposed by Cressmoor Estates developer Randy Hall.

D.R. Horton has said it doesn’t have a building plan with garages at the rear of the town houses.

“I’m concerned that we would be adding more than 80 driveways to the street. It’s a collector street that will have hundreds of cars going to Rand Street, which is another collector street,” Gralik said.

The commission was OK with allowing asphalt driveways with a concrete apron instead of all concrete, but suggested the builder add more types of planting to the list of allowed trees and shrubs.

The builder agreed not to reduce the minimum square footage of its units as it proposed.

One resident said he was worried that the project would be started with a couple dozen houses built then abandoned, leaving an eyesore.

“My only concern is that the development needs to be finished. I only request that the builder follow the guidelines already in place and goes forward in the same manner,” another resident, Pam Broadaway, said.

Other suggestions from residents included that more trees be added, the housing units be of consistent type, sidewalks and another playground area be added and there be continuity to the Cressmoor Prairie,

Hall said he has made a commitment to put sidewalks in, the path to Cressmoor Prairie would be extended, there was no increase in the number of housing units, and there would be an open space area in the center of the subdivision for a park.

The D.R. Horton spokesman said they’re proposing to puts in a walking trail and play area, which will be maintained by the homeowners association.

The project received the endorsement of Mayor Brian Snedecor and current and former council members of the district it will be in.

“When you have a project of this size there needs to be some give and take by the developer and the city. But as we continue to work on this I believe we can make this a very successful project. I think there’s a willingness on both sides to make this a project we can be proud of,” Snedecor said. “I’m more excited about this project than I was 30 days ago.”

Councilman Chris Wells, R-5th, said he supports the project.

“It will transform an area that’s been an eyesore for more than 15 years,” Wells said.

Former 5th Ward Councilman John Brezik said the project would upgrade the entire area and spur new growth.