At a Sept. 3 study session, the Saint John Planning Commission reviewed site plans for multiple parcels in the Gates of Saint John development, including Lot 1 and Lot 3 in Unit 29 (A/B) and a two‑lot resubdivision of Lot 888 in Unit 7A. The applicant said major site infrastructure is in place but landscaping, lighting and some engineering signoffs remain to be finalized.

The applicant, Mr. Kell (applicant representative), told the commission, “First thing you'll notice is the large setback. Obviously, that's for to accommodate the traffic circle that's gonna be going in there.” He said the setback is caused by an Indiana Department of Transportation land acquisition, adding, “they took land all the way down US 231.” He also said the site already has roadwork, wiring and lighting ordered and a bond in place for completion.

Why it matters: the parcels sit at the town’s new downtown street and roundabout and will shape pedestrian access, parking and truck/drive‑through circulation for the corridor. Commissioners pressed the applicant on landscaping, lighting and parking counts while staff noted that engineering reviews remain open.

The developer described the proposed tenant mix and circulation. “We have a drive through there,” Mr. Kell said, and he explained drive‑through lanes are on the west side of Lot 1 with stacking space intended to hold “8, 9, 10 cars stacking here easily.” He added that interior and road parking stalls are sized at 10 by 20 feet and that “we have a lot of parking that's already put in” — later quantified in the presentation as 456 parking spots already installed on site.

Commissioner Justin Ester asked whether the site package must include a formal lighting and landscaping plan for site‑plan approval. Ashley Abernathy, planning staff, asked about a literal plan, and Mr. Kell replied that they will “landscape around the building like this or better” and that some areas will use large planter boxes because outdoor seating requirements limit tree planting at the sidewalk.

Town engineer John Dykstra and other reviewers are continuing technical checks. Regarding accessible parking, a commission member asked whether the ADA parking provided meets minimum requirements; the applicant answered yes. Staff said the project remains a study item and that the town’s engineer is preparing a letter for the next meeting.

Discussion versus action: the session was a study session only; no formal votes were taken. Multiple commissioners and staff said the items would return to the Sept. 17 agenda with engineering comments expected beforehand.

Next steps: the applicant will return with outstanding engineering letters, and staff will verify final landscaping and lighting details when tenants submit building‑specific designs. The commission did not act formally on any of these items at the Sept. 3 study session.