Planning commission approves Addison Properties rezoning for 18.3-acre Greenlawn site after public drainage and traffic concerns

The City of Delaware Planning Commission on March 5 recommended approval of a rezoning amendment for 18.3 acres at the northwest corner of Greenlawn Drive and South Houk Road, clearing the path for a residential planned unit development submitted by Addison Properties.

Under the requested RPUD, the applicant proposes up to 115 lots (approximately 6.3 lots per acre) and would dedicate about 7.4 acres of open space that largely aligns with the existing floodplain. "I don't know if we could squeeze 115 in there. That's a tough one," said applicant representative Mike, who told the commission the concept may ultimately be closer to 100 lots but asked the commission to approve the rezoning framework that will let the developer submit a detailed development plan later.

The public raised multiple concerns during the hearing. Resident Jim Holder asked whether preserved floodplain areas would become standing water and a mosquito breeding ground: "If it's gonna be a wetland, then it's just gonna be a mosquito heaven." Planning and engineering staff responded that the existing floodplain would be preserved and that any new stormwater basins would be engineered and maintained, noting "they are showing 2 proposed basins on the site," and that basins would include aeration and other measures.

City staff said access to the site would be restricted to two access points on Greenlawn Drive and that there would be no access on Houk Road. The concept also requires a vegetated buffer around an adjacent existing residence and a proposed easement along the Delaware Run for a future bike path. Planning staff said the developer would be required to dedicate right-of-way and build curb and gutter on Greenlawn, with the developer bearing the cost of those local road upgrades.

Several residents asked about maintenance of nearby stream channels and responsibility for trees and debris. City staff said maintenance responsibilities vary parcel-by-parcel and that staff would follow up with the utilities and public works departments to clarify who maintains specific reaches of the Delaware Run. Engineering staff noted that the site was subject to floodplain regulations and the city's MS4 stormwater obligations and that the applicant would be required to avoid impacts to the 100-year floodplain or mitigate them in coordination with state and federal agencies.

Commissioners voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning to City Council. The motion to approve ("case number PUD25-7") was made by Councilman Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Cross, and carried with Mr. Cross, Mr. Stroud, Vice Chair Hoffman and Chairman Simpson all voting yes.

What happens next: If council approves the rezoning, the applicant must return with a development plan that will provide detailed engineering, lot layout, buffering, and stormwater controls. That development plan will be reviewed by planning staff, engineering, public works and subject to public hearings.