St. John council approves first reading of Park West rezoning for 15.8-acre development

The St. John Town Council on May 28 adopted Ordinance 18-69 on first reading to amend the St. John Zoning Ordinance for a 15.81-acre development known as Park West.

The ordinance, which received a favorable recommendation from the planning commission, clears the way for the developer to proceed to primary plat and engineering. Council members voted 4-1 to approve the first reading; Councilor Gerald Swatz cast the lone no vote.

The council and staff said the project could include townhomes but that the ultimate number of units will depend on engineering. Town Manager Billy said the planning commission recommended the change and that the site is in the southwest part of town off Calumet Avenue, just south of 101st Street near the Providence Bank. Ashley, a town staff member, told the council that the primary plat and engineering — including stormwater and utilities — will determine whether the maximum conceptual unit count is achievable. “It'll depend on how the engineering comes out,” Ashley said.

Council discussion included questions about housing type and density. One councilor asked whether the layout would be condominiums, row houses or townhomes; councilors and staff described the likely product as townhomes and noted the developer from nearby Calumet Commons had been supportive.

The ordinance was introduced for first reading and will return for a subsequent reading before final adoption. The vote on first reading was: Christian Jorgensen, aye; Anne Oster, aye; Wayne Pandinis, aye; Gerald Swatz, nay; Mike Bovat, aye. Motion carries 4-1.

Next steps for the project include submission of the primary plat and engineering studies required for stormwater, grading and right-of-way adjustments.