Saint John plan commission approves Grace Church primary plat with curb-and-gutter waiver amid resident erosion concerns

The Town of Saint John Plan Commission on July 30 approved a primary plat for a one-lot subdivision for Grace Church and granted the church—s waiver request from the town—s curb-and-gutter requirement, after a contested public comment period during which multiple residents raised persistent erosion and drainage concerns.

The commission—s vote to approve the primary plat and waive Saint John Municipal Code 21A-44(a) on curb-and-gutter requirements was unanimous, 7-0. Commissioner Ramshaw moved for approval; Commissioner Bamick seconded.

The waiver was requested because the parcel fronts on 109th Avenue, which remains under Lake County Highway Department jurisdiction. Town staff and the petitioner said the county requested an alternative to curb and gutter; the developer proposes one foot of asphalt pavement beyond the edge line and a two-foot aggregate shoulder in lieu of curb and gutter. Town staff told the commission the proposed construction will follow county…