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APC recommends approval of Lennar’s Maple Wick rezoning after heavy public opposition, developer limits lots
Summary
The commission voted to recommend rezoning to R-1B for a 111-lot residential subdivision (Maple Wick) despite many nearby residents opposing density, traffic and safety risks; petitioner committed to no more than 111 lots as part of the record.
The Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission on Oct. 15 voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request by Lennar Homes (Z-3000) to rezone about 32 acres south of Lafayette from R-1 and PDRS to R-1B, allowing a proposed subdivision the petitioner calls Maple Wick.
Lennar representatives told the commission the company intends to develop, own and operate the community and that home prices would range roughly from $380,000 (53-foot lots) to $430,000 (61-foot lots). The nonbinding site plan submitted with the rezoning application showed up to 111 single-family lots; petitioner’s counsel said many details (road locations, pond and drainage) would be finalized during subdivision review.
More than a dozen residents from Ravenswood, Hickory Ridge and adjacent neighborhoods opposed the rezoning at the hearing, citing traffic safety on County Road 430 South, school capacity, tree loss, pond/flooding concerns and what several called a jarring contrast between existing large-lot single-family houses and the denser R-1B product. “We really love the area… I think R-1B is much too condensed for this area,” said Nate Jones, a nearby resident. Other speakers raised questions about developer quality and long-term traffic effects.
Petitioner Ryan (RTS Law) said a conventional R-1 development had not been economically viable for the site and that the proposal represents a compromise; Lennar held a public meeting in September and provided a brand guide to neighbors. Commissioners pressed the developer on parking, lot widths and the number of bedrooms planned; Lennar indicated many units would be four- or five-bedroom homes and offered 220 covered indoor bike spaces for the site.
During deliberations Commissioner Jackson raised the prospect of attaching a numerical limit to the rezoning (no more than 111 lots). Petitioner initially said it would not accept a formal zoning commitment; after a board motion and second the commission recorded a vote to add a nonbinding commitment to the record limiting the project to no more than 111 lots. The clerk reported 14 ballots in favor and one opposed; the case will be forwarded to the Tippecanoe County Commissioners for final action on Nov. 3.
The commission’s recommendation does not approve specific construction plans; final street layout, access points, drainage improvements and any required traffic upgrades will be reviewed during the subdivision and engineering approval process.
