Elkhart planning panel approves final site plan for multi‑family project, requires sidewalk across full right of way

The Elkhart City Planning Commission on April 7 approved a final site plan for a multi‑family apartment development at 5301 Greenbush Court, with a condition that a public sidewalk be constructed across the full public right of way between the project’s two driveways.

The project, described in the staff report as Parkwell Development LLC’s final site plan for a multi‑family apartment dwelling on roughly 21.2 acres at Parkway 17, calls for seven residential buildings, a clubhouse, a pool and a dog park. Planning staff said the petitioner is seeking final site plan approval under section 27.20.7(b) of the city code. James Randolph, representing Holiday Properties, presented the proposal to the commission and said the development represents a "$50,000,000 investment."

City staff recommended approval based on five findings of fact: that the approval would not injure public health, safety or welfare; the proposed use is permitted in the planned unit development (PUD) district; the project passed the city's technical review process; the use is expected to conform with the comprehensive plan; and the proposed use should not be detrimental to adjacent property values. Staff also reported that two notice letters were mailed and none were returned.

During the hearing, planning staff and the developer discussed a single outstanding issue: the petitioner’s request to omit a section of public sidewalk between the site’s two entrance drives. Eric Trotter, planning staff, said the petitioner was showing sidewalks at the north and south ends of the site and a common internal walkway but asked the commission to decide whether the sidewalk segment in the public right of way must be installed. James Randolph told the commission the site includes substantial internal sidewalks and pedestrian circulation and that the absent segment would be a few hundred feet; he said omitting it was a cost‑saving measure after repeated value engineering. Randolph said the site will have 378 parking spaces and that the developer expects a loan closing and groundbreaking within about 30 to 45 days if the plan is approved.

Commissioners questioned the connectivity and safety implications of not having the right‑of‑way sidewalk. One commissioner said the city has increasingly required sidewalks in residential annexations and called sidewalks an "amenity in every neighborhood." After discussion, Commissioner Mishler moved to approve the final site plan with the addition that sidewalks be included across the full public right of way and that the staff report be accepted; Miss Lawson seconded. The roll call vote recorded all members present voting in favor and the motion carried.

The commission’s approval is the final site plan step under the PUD; staff noted the development has passed technical review. The developer indicated a two‑year construction schedule after closing. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

The commission’s written findings and the recorded motion require the petitioner to add the sidewalk segment in the public right of way as a condition of final approval; the developer and city staff will proceed with loan closing and construction planning now that the commission has approved the plan.