New residential projects on tap for Griffith
Griffith is poised for population growth, as two new subdivision developments are currently working their way toward final approval.
Although the Griffith Plan Commission tabled action on both developments at Monday’s meeting, 2023 could see the start of new residential construction.
A proposal from Indi Homes 200 LCC calls for four four-unit town home structures in the 1000 Block of E. 40th Place. The ranch-style homes would feature two-car garages with second floor lots and optional basements. Unit prices would start at $220,000, according to the current plans.
Before the project can proceed, the developer will need Plan Commission approval to rezone the land from R-2 to R-3 to allow for the town homes.
Turnberry at Trail Creek is the other residential development currently under consideration. The plans show 31 single family homes and 22 town homes to be located in the southeast section of Griffith in the vicinity of Turnberry Road and Glasgow Drive.
Griffith Town Council President Rick Ryfa, R-3rd, also a Plan Commission member, noted that the developments are still “proposals” at this stage, and encouraged residents to offer their comments at upcoming public hearings. However, he is encouraged that Griffith could add some much needed housing in what he described as an essentially “landlocked” community.
“We welcome new housing to Griffith,” he said. “It’s great to see new homes added to existing stock. A benefit for all our property owners is that once these properties are on the tax rolls, the increases in the town’s assessed value will lower the overall town corporation tax rate.”
He noted that the Turnberry development would not impact Griffith Public Schools, as it is located within the Lake Central School District.
GPS is preparing for future growth, though. A site plan review for a two-story, 12-classroom addition to Elsie Wadsworth School, 600 N. Jay Ave., is currently before the Plan Commission — a matter that was tabled until its December meeting.
GPS will also be back before the Griffith Board of Zoning Appeals in December to secure its petition for a variance on the number of parking spaces required as part of the Wadsworth addition. The addition would be primarily dedicated to kindergarten and special needs students and include three extra classrooms to accommodate more students in the future.