Plan Commission backs annexation of 5.13 acres for 19 single-family homes on Vernon Avenue

The Elkhart City Plan Commission on June 2 voted 5-0 to recommend annexing about 5.13 acres at the east end of Vernon Avenue and north of Greenleaf Boulevard so the petitioner can build 19 single-family homes.

Staff described the voluntary annexation under section 29 11 b and said the land is currently zoned R-1 and is proposed to remain R-1 after annexation. The petitioner (Wrangler Real Estate Incorporated) is proposing 15 homes in a new cul-de-sac accessed from Vernon Avenue and 4 homes accessed from Greenleaf Boulevard. Staff said water and sewer are available to the site but would need to be extended at the petitioner’s expense; the petitioner will also pay for the extension of Vernon Avenue as part of the development.

The staff report referenced assessed-value estimates for the proposed homes, stating a conservative value range of $265,000 to $300,000 each based on adjacent neighborhood assessments; staff said market prices at construction may be higher. A fiscal plan prepared by Baker Tilly was presented; staff read estimated near-term additional non-capital costs and predicted net revenues beginning in year two. After opening the public hearing with no speakers, Commissioner Mishler moved a due-pass recommendation to the council; Commissioner Lawson seconded. Roll call votes by Osborne, Beecher, Lawson, Mishler and Erwin were recorded in favor and the motion carried 5-0.

Staff recommended approval based on findings that the petition meets Indiana Code 36-4-3 contiguity requirements and that annexation would add dwelling units to help address the local housing deficit referenced in recent studies. The petitioner will be responsible for infrastructure extensions and associated costs before development proceeds.