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Residents and developer clash over density, drainage in Madison Reserve proposal
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to reconsider a 271-home plan for Madison Reserve over traffic, lot size and drainage concerns; the applicant said reducing units would make the project unaffordable. The planning commission's recommendation remains on second reading.
The London City Council heard extended public comment and developer remarks on the Madison Reserve proposal, a plan to build 271 homes on roughly 55 acres, during its meeting.
Residents said the project as presented would add traffic, reduce open space and place small lots next to existing homes. "271 houses on 55 acres, I'm gonna lose this," resident Tara Shoemaker said, speaking from the public-comment podium. Matt Daley, another nearby resident, told the council that the plan leaves little room for recreation: "90% of the lots, a parent cannot go play pitch and catch with their kids. It is not wide enough to support that basic thing that most of us have done. These lots, they're less than 46 feet wide, 90% of them."
Developer Paul Griggs, who identified aspects of the site and the economics of building attainable housing, told council that cutting the number of lots to reduce density would raise per-unit costs. "Absolutely. But not without ruining the affordability, of of those of that development," Griggs said, adding that required infrastructure such as a 72-inch storm sewer is expensive and used to justify the project's yield.
Council members discussed process questions and legal authority around the planning commission's review. President Peters said the item is on second reading as a public-hearing matter and recommended it remain on the agenda for further review. "I think we should probably this is scheduled for a public hearing, so we're on second reading. I think it probably just needs to stay on at this point," Peters said.
Why it matters: Council action on Madison Reserve will shape new housing supply, local traffic patterns and stormwater infrastructure near existing neighborhoods. Residents called for fewer lots, larger setbacks and more open space; the applicant said those changes would likely make homes unaffordable for the target buyers.
Key details from the meeting: public commenters highlighted walking distances from the site to schools and parks, concerns about losing views and privacy, and potential increases in traffic on State Route 142. The applicant and engineering discussion cited the need for large-diameter storm piping (a 72-inch storm sewer was mentioned) and the cost implications of proper drainage, roads and utilities. The planning commission's recommendation (Resolution 180-25) remains on second reading; no final vote was taken by council at this meeting.
What happens next: The council left the planning commission recommendation on the agenda for further review and scheduled a public hearing as part of the ordinance/resolution process before any final action.
