Farmer and developer Jim Coutinho presented a multi‑phase plan for three properties the developer expects to annex into the village, describing preliminary land‑use concepts and near‑term infrastructure needs. Coutinho said one parcel includes a pond and commercial frontage, and the larger southern parcel had previously been considered for higher‑density housing; he said the current concept is roughly 360 dwellings rather than a 517‑unit plan that had appeared in earlier drafts.

Coutinho said he has secured preliminary development partners (Arbor Homes was mentioned as a prospective builder) and that the commercial corner could include a gas station and retail; he also described a proposed office/warehouse complex with gated access, camera monitoring and 40‑by‑90‑foot units subdivided into office/warehouse combinations. He said the plan includes a traffic signal at the main intersection that would serve both residential and commercial entrances.

Infrastructure and timing
A central feature of the presentation was sewer and sidewalk work: Coutinho said the developer plans to extend temporary sewer and eventually a main sewer line into the area, and to construct sidewalks that will connect the new development to existing parts of town. He described the overall cost of streets, sewers and sidewalks as a significant up‑front expense (one attendee said ‘‘we’re talking I think we’re gonna be around $15,000,000’’ for infrastructure improvements). Coutinho stressed that retail anchors such as a grocery store evaluate market studies and will not commit until a sufficient number of rooftops are in place; he said Kroger had already expressed interest but that market thresholds are necessary.

Approvals, next meetings and township interactions
Coutinho said filings are advanced and that he expected a hearing to finalize at least part of the annexation process within weeks; he also said developers and county/township officials are meeting about sewer alignments and temporary services. Staff confirmed a Wednesday meeting (09:30) had been scheduled to discuss Fairfield Reserve and sewer coordination and that an annexation hearing was expected shortly. The developer and council discussed coordinating with Liberty and Walnut townships to keep higher‑density zoning in the village while preserving rural township character.

Community engagement and conditions
Council and staff emphasized that zoning, unit density and infrastructure details remain subject to planning review, approvals and formal rezoning requests. The developer said he can pursue a Township or county process on some items prior to annexation if needed. No rezoning ordinances or annexation votes were taken at the meeting; the council and the developer agreed to continued public meetings once engineering and construction drawings progress.