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Commission backs Grove rezoning to PUD amid public concern about water and traffic
Summary
The Plan Commission voted 5–1 to recommend rezoning the 169‑acre Grove site from open space to a PUD for 275 homes but heard extensive public comment about water supply, traffic access, sidewalks and prior Council conditions.
The Saint John Plan Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Town Council to rezone the Grove site from open space to a planned unit development (PUD) allowing about 275 homes, but the meeting included extended public comment focused on water capacity, road access and neighborhood impacts.
Ed Rechtmal of Volthoff Homes presented the proposal, describing 169 acres in the northeast of town and a concept plan with 275 single‑family units (100 detached and about 50 attached), roughly 35 acres of preserved wetlands and a commitment to sidewalks, trails and architectural standards. "We will be putting a playground and park area on the west side of the creek," Rechtmal said.
Former town utility operator Bob Velois urged prioritizing the Grove well site, saying a 2023 test well yielded potential production of 1,000 to 1,400 gallons per minute (about 1.4–2 million gallons per day) and arguing the well could materially improve town hydraulics in areas that have experienced low pressure. "This well is located in an ideal location on 101st Avenue," Velois said.
Several residents raised traffic and access concerns if the project is phased before Klein Avenue and other connections are completed. "My biggest concern is traffic," said Amy of Renaissance Subdivision, who pressed the commission to ensure multiple access points and questioned why the rezoning should proceed if Klein Avenue might not be completed for years. Other speakers urged stronger sidewalk continuity on 101st and more developer‑funded roadway improvements.
Developer representatives and staff replied that required improvements (including acceleration/deceleration lanes and sidewalks) must meet town codes and that the project would be phased over several years; they said the developer would provide temporary connections to 96th Place if Klein Avenue is not yet built. Staff also noted the commission can require a traffic impact study during subdivision engineering review if warranted.
After technical questions about wellhead protection zones and the last townwide traffic study (noted as 2020), Commissioner Russ Vogel moved — and Commissioner Ashley Abernathy seconded — to recommend the rezoning to the Town Council. The commission recorded a 5–1 favorable recommendation.
