Sean Graham of Insight Real Estate vacates unused drainage easement for Starbucks development

In the heart of Sellersburg, Indiana, a recent Town Council meeting illuminated the collaborative spirit between local government and private developers. Sean Graham, representing Insight Real Estate from Oak Brook, Illinois, presented a proposal to vacate an unused public drainage easement, a move that promises to streamline property management and enhance community infrastructure.

Graham detailed the significant improvements made during the development of a new Starbucks, located next to Wendy's on Camp Run Parkway. The project involved upgrading a regional detention basin, which had previously suffered from an undersized outlet pipe. By working closely with neighbors and site sellers, the team successfully upsized the pipe and established a new private drainage easement that clearly outlines maintenance responsibilities and cost-sharing among property owners.

The council members expressed their appreciation for the improvements, with one member noting the aesthetic and functional upgrades to the area. “You all did an excellent job of fixing all that up,” he remarked, highlighting the positive impact of the development on the community.

The discussion also touched on the historical context of the easement, which had been established years prior but was never utilized effectively. The council recognized that the proposed changes would not only benefit Insight Real Estate but also enhance the overall drainage system serving multiple properties in the vicinity.

As the meeting progressed, the council members acknowledged the financial prudence of the developer, who opted to make these improvements without seeking public funding. “I appreciate you doing that and not coming to the town and trying to soak us for $2,550,000,” one member quipped, underscoring the mutual benefits of the partnership.

With the new Starbucks set to open in the coming months, the council's approval of the easement vacation marks a significant step forward in fostering a business-friendly environment while ensuring that community needs are met. As the town looks ahead, this collaboration serves as a model for future developments, blending private initiative with public interest for the betterment of Sellersburg.