Commission approves Panther Builders’ 18‑lot Baltimore Field subdivision preliminary plat and site plan

The commission approved a site plan amendment and preliminary plat April 8 allowing Panther Builders to develop 18 residential lots with a stormwater tract at the former Baltimore Field between Hawthorne Avenue and Eureka Street in the R1 RP Planned Residence District.

Staff said the development conforms to the comprehensive plan and future-land-use map, will be served by local streets (Hawthorne, Eureka) and existing utilities, and will include sidewalks on all street frontages. Engineering has approved the preliminary plat; staff said the developer revised the plan to add a second detention basin to meet drainage requirements and to make lot widths generally uniform at about 60 feet. Staff noted most surrounding houses were built mid‑20th century and that Miller Park is 2.5 blocks southwest.

Commissioners asked about construction timing and potential impacts. Applicant representative Bryce Aukin said construction is expected to begin in summer and could be completed by late fall. A nearby resident asked about noise, vibration and how the new stormwater tract will protect basements; the city engineer said the detention basins are designed to hold and slowly release stormwater so they reduce localized flooding risk.

The commission approved the preliminary plat and site plan amendment, subject to the condition that the final site plan meet applicable city codes and regulations.