Westfield City Council considers Finley Creek Estates PUD for 60 new homes

The Westfield City Council convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss the proposed Finley Creek Estates Planned Unit Development (PUD), a significant rezone request aimed at establishing a new single-family residential community. The development, which spans approximately 34 acres, is located northeast of the intersection of Fremont Moore Road and West 190 Third Street, adjacent to the recently approved Winterberg community.

Weston Rogers from the Community Development Department presented the proposal, highlighting that it received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Advisory Planning Commission just a week prior. The plan has evolved significantly since its initial introduction, reducing the number of lots from 86 to 60, which aims to address community concerns regarding density and traffic.

Rex Ramage from Pulte Homes elaborated on the design, noting that the lots will average 70 feet in width and range from 130 to over 200 feet in depth. This unique layout is intended to provide homeowners with ample space for personal amenities, such as pools and outdoor living areas, rather than relying on shared community facilities. The development will also include a 40-foot landscape buffer to preserve existing tree lines and minimize impact on neighboring properties.

Despite the positive recommendation from the planning commission, council members expressed mixed feelings about the project. Some voiced concerns about the development's fit within the existing community, with one councilor arguing that it could devalue neighboring properties and contribute to urban sprawl. Others acknowledged the project's potential to offer a different housing option in Westfield, contrasting it with the smaller lot developments that have become common in the area.

The council ultimately debated the merits of the proposal, weighing the need for new housing against the potential impact on the surrounding environment and community character. As discussions continue, the council is tasked with balancing growth and development with the preservation of Westfield's unique community identity. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for future developments in the area, as the city navigates its evolving landscape.