Plans can proceed for what developers have termed a “multi-generational” 328-home and townhome subdivision in Winfield.
The Winfield Town Council on Tuesday approved a zoning change request from agriculture to planned development residential for the subdivision called Copperstone.
The subdivision, which will be developed by Olthof Homes, will be located on 122 acres at the southeast corner of Gibson Street and 117th Avenue.
Ed Recktenwall and Todd Olthof, both of Olthof Homes, thanked town officials, noting approval for the subdivision followed a year’s worth of Plan Commission meetings, including the one earlier this month at which planners gave a favorable recommendation.
“We’re trying to make it unique for Winfield,” Recktenwall said.
He said plans are for construction of the subdivision to begin sometime this summer.
The “multi-generational” subdivision will be geared toward young families building their first homes, active seniors and young professionals, Recktenwall said.
Amenities planned for the subdivision will include a pickleball court, a professional putting green, a playground, a fire pit with seating and a walking path.
The subdivision will include 135 single-family homes as the majority of the structures.
In addition, plans for two other areas include 86 two-story townhomes geared to young professionals and 107 single-story or ranch-style townhomes with “active adults” in mind, Recktenwall said.
Olthof reiterated at the Town Council meeting that his development company is also pledging $350,000 toward the construction of a roundabout in the planning stages at Gibson and East 117th Avenue and any roadway improvements on Gibson.
Traffic concerns, once the 328-home subdivision is built, were broached at Plan Commission meetings held last year, including from member Mark Nelson.
Nelson said traffic will be spilling out on an already busy area that includes a nearby middle school and nursing home facilities.
Town Council member Amy Blaker, D-at-large, said she also was concerned about traffic issues resulting from the subdivision.
Blaker was the lone member voting against the zone change for the subdivision.
“I voted against it because I’ve heard from multiple residents that have concerns over traffic as it is. I’m not opposed to growth, but I think we need to address the state of our current traffic issues,” Blaker said.
In other business, the Town Council gave initial approval to an ordinance regulating the operation of electric bicycles and motorized electric devices within the town of Winfield.
The ordinance, which still needs a second reading before finalization, includes where the bikes can be operated, minor safety requirements, equipment requirements and enforcement.
Town Marshal Robert Byrd said e-bikes are the buzz thing right now, with many communities throughout Northwest Indiana looking at regulating these vehicles.
“Everyone is drawing up ordinances to make their communities safe,” Byrd said.
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Under the section marked operation on public roadways, it will be unlawful for any person under 16 to operate a motorized electric device upon any public roadway, and no person shall operate any electric bicycle or device upon a public roadway in a manner or at a speed that is unsafe for conditions, or that endangers the safety of persons or property.
Town Councilman Tim Clayton, R-at-large, said it was his first time seeing the ordinance and he wanted more time to study it and more information, including a list of fines.
“We can have something by the next meeting,” Byrd said.
Town Council President Zack Beaver said state laws, in regard to the regulation of electric bicycles, haven’t caught up.
“These ordinances will allow us to take local action,” Beaver said.
In another action, Winfield Town Manager Nick Bellar told resident Chris Corcoran, who represents Deer Creek subdivision, he would look into his complaint.
Corcoran, who represents the Deer Creek Home Owners Association, said a home under construction for several years and under different builders has become an eyesore.
“We (the HOA) were told there was nothing we can do,” Corcoran said.
Deborah Laverty is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.