Commission approves Leatherwood Trails primary plat with connectivity condition; vehicle-connection waiver continued

The Greenwood Advisory Planning Commission on Monday approved the primary plat for Leatherwood Trails (also referred to as Waterford Trails/residential subdivision, docket PC2024-081) but did not resolve a related waiver request for a vehicular connection to an adjacent, underdeveloped commercial parcel. The waiver discussion was continued to the commission27s April 14 meeting.

Petitioner Doug Vice, representing Brian Homes, told the commission the proposal is a 35-lot, single-family detached community on about 66 acres at the southwest corner of County Line Road and 5 Points Road. Resident Sam Hartley spoke in remonstrance, urging preservation of the area27s residential character and raising concerns about potential lighting and traffic impacts from the planned neighborhood commercial area north of the creek. "I don't want Greenwood to become another Fishers or Carmel," Hartley said, adding he preferred that commercial development be directed closer to existing business parks.

Petitioners and planning staff told commissioners the residential portion is the current request; the commercial parcel north of the creek is a separate project that has technical constraints including a previously unknown utility/fiber/gas easement that cuts diagonally across that northern parcel. The developer and engineers said the easement and other site constraints make placement of pedestrian bridges or vehicular connections uncertain until the northern parcel's developability is determined.

Planning staff recommended either full compliance with the UDO connectivity requirement (vehicular and pedestrian access) or that the commission approve a waiver only if specific conditions are met, including at least one pedestrian connection and commitments about maintenance and safety. Commissioners discussed public-safety concerns, the potential for "bridges to nowhere," and the need for commitments that would run with the land so future owners or HOAs would understand responsibilities.

Commissioner Stanbaugh moved to approve the primary plat submitted by Y Engineers on behalf of Ryan Homes (docket PC2024-081) subject to TRC conditions (address staff comments) and one of two connectivity conditions: either comply with the ordinance or obtain a waiver; Commissioner Walker seconded. The motion passed 9-0. Separately, Commissioner Stanbaugh moved to continue the vehicle-connection waiver consideration to April 14 to allow staff and developer to research easements, utility relocation, and potential commitment language; Commissioner Walker seconded. The continuation was approved 9-0.

Staff and the petitioner will return with more detailed information on easements, potential bridge alignment, commitments that would run with the property, and timing for construction of pedestrian connections if required.