Plan Commission approves Deerfield Commons preliminary PUD after developer trims density to 186 units

The Town of Merrillville Plan Commission approved preliminary PUD approval for Deerfield Commons, a proposed luxury multifamily development on about 17.16 acres at 400 West 87th Avenue, after the developer lowered the project’s density and agreed to conditions on engineering and findings of fact.

Developer Jeff Ban, principal of EVG Team, told the commission the project had been reduced from 210 units to 186 to conform with the R‑5 density limits and include a park area adjacent to an existing pond. "We reduced this property from 210 units to 186," Ban said. He presented engineering updates on stormwater and sanitary connections and an estimated project cost of $40,800,000.

The project team estimated an on‑site population of about 322 people and provided rent ranges for market planning: one‑bedroom units $1,300–$1,700, two‑bedrooms $1,600–$2,000 and three‑bedrooms up to $2,200 per month. The petitioner also proposed a dedicated park area and a detention/pond outlet modification intended to lower the pond’s normal water level.

Residents raised concerns during public comment about traffic on 87th Avenue, the speed and striping of the roadway, school‑bus stops, long‑term screening and the visual impact of third‑floor units, pool management and the proposed valet trash operation. Jan Stoler, a neighborhood resident, asked specifically whether additional fire protection and hydrants would be provided and urged more local amenities and careful review of roads and emergency access.

The developer said plans call for multiple fire hydrants and that the team will coordinate fire response strategy with the fire chief. Architect Randy Sherman and project staff described a concierge/valet trash pickup that collects refuse inside building corridors and conveys it to a covered compactor enclosure to avoid visible trash on site. "The trash is picked up just outside the door of each unit along the common corridor," Sherman said, describing the enclosed compactor and daily pickup procedures.

Staff and town engineers said they had received revised civil plans and would continue detailed stormwater and grading review. The developer said their construction schedule targets a June 2026 start, contingent on final approvals and submittals.

A motion to approve the preliminary PUD — conditioned on legal review of the submitted findings of fact and continued engineering coordination with town staff — passed on a roll call with five yes votes. The commission chair said the project will return for final PUD action and then be forwarded to the Town Council in ordinance form if finalized.

What’s next: the developer will complete final design and submit for final PUD review in the coming months; the commission’s approval was for the preliminary PUD only and includes the stated conditions.