Plan Commission approves Preserve East primary plat, contingent on wetlands sign-off

The Saint John Plan Commission voted to approve the primary plat for Preserve East, a 34‑lot subdivision on about 36.5 acres, but made the approval contingent on final wetlands approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and on a developer waiver for curb and sidewalk along the east side of White Oak Avenue.

Jack Schleger, representing the project for Schilling Development, told the commission the site is zoned R‑1 and will meet lot‑size requirements, with lots at least 100 feet wide and roughly 20,000 square feet. He described two neighborhoods divided by topography and wetlands, gravity sanitary sewer, looped water lines and acceleration/deceleration lanes at the White Oak entrance. “We would request that any approvals tonight be contingent on final wetlands approval,” Schleger said.

Residents asked for details about pedestrian and wildlife impacts. Sibley Syrek, a nearby resident, asked whether the planned bike path would span the parcel and whether an existing chain‑link fence that residents say keeps coyotes off their property would be removed. “What is the intention of that fence, to remain or is that to be demolished?” Syrek asked.

Mr. Slager, the developer’s on‑site representative, said the perimeter chain‑link fence would be removed as construction proceeds and noted homeowners would be permitted to install wrought‑iron fencing later. He estimated lots would be market‑ready for construction in summer 2026.

Commissioners agreed to allow a waiver of curb and sidewalk along the east side of White Oak Avenue provided the developer installs a continuous bike path that connects the original Preserve to Preserve East. The motion to grant primary plat approval, contingent on final wetlands approval and the curb/sidewalk waiver in exchange for the bike path, passed by voice vote (recorded 6–0).