Planning commission approves Sadie Ridge concept plan for 318‑home Sadie Ridge development

The Lockport Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve the concept plan for Sadie Ridge (Case No. 2024‑011), a proposed 318‑unit residential development by MI Homes on a roughly 78‑acre parcel north of Bruce Road east of I‑355.

Kimberly, city planning staff, summarized the site’s history as part of the McNaughton Steeplechase master plan and explained that concept approval would require subsequent amendments to the annexation agreement and zoning entitlements, a final plat, and a special‑use permit for a planned unit development at the time of subdivision and development plan. Staff noted that concept approvals are valid for one year from the date of approval.

Representatives from MI Homes — attorney Russ Whitaker (Rosenhope & Whitaker) and Greg Collins (land development) — presented the Sadie Ridge concept. The plan calls for 318 single‑family homes on 78 acres with an average density of about 4.08 units per acre: 173 rear‑loaded townhomes, 108 smaller single‑family lots (about 43 by 120 feet standard), and 37 larger single‑family lots (about 65 by 120 and 75 by 120 feet). The plan includes three large stormwater detention basins sized to meet Will County requirements, multi‑use trails with a pedestrian connection to Cedar Ridge, a proposed 2.5‑acre neighborhood park intended for dedication to the Lockport Township Park District, and an 85‑foot setback from a natural gas pipeline running along the east property line.

Multiple nearby residents spoke during public comment, raising common concerns: a high local water table and existing flooding in the adjacent McCarran Road area, the adequacy of two detention ponds versus the number of ponds observed on neighboring properties, potential impacts on school capacity (one resident estimated 600–900 additional students), added traffic on narrow Bruce Road (including a hazardous s‑curve), and the perceived density and lot sizes proposed. Pamela Baker and others asked whether Ron Court or Ritter/Deeter Drive would be annexed or connected; MI Homes said no annexation of the adjacent county subdivision is proposed and the plan does not provide a connection to Ritter/Deeter Drive, though space is reserved for a future connection if a school or other need arises.

MI Homes responded that the proposed product mix mirrors earlier approvals for the site and said the design transitions density from larger lots at the perimeter adjacent to county residences to smaller lots and townhomes interior to the site. The applicant said they will comply with Will County stormwater rules, perform wetland and floodplain studies, carry out detailed engineering, and conduct a traffic impact study that will analyze Bruce Road and the Gougar corridor. Greg Collins gave tentative price targets: larger single‑family homes in the mid‑$500,000s to low‑$600,000s, smaller single‑family homes in the high‑$400,000s (base pricing likely in the high‑$300,000s after fit/finish), and townhomes in the high‑$300,000s to low‑$400,000s.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about stormwater, sight distance, utility capacity, right‑of‑way widths (60–66 feet depending on street), rear‑yard setbacks (25 feet), and whether small lots would allow pools or later homeowner improvements. City engineering staff said concept review already included schematic utility and conceptual engineering checks, but that final engineering would require a traffic impact study, sight distance study, utility capacity verification, and detailed stormwater design following Will County and City of Lockport standards.

Commissioner Scott moved to approve the concept plan subject to the four staff conditions outlined in the staff memo; Commissioner Aaron seconded. The clerk conducted a roll‑call vote; multiple members voted yes, and the motion carried. The commission noted the item will move to the Committee of the Whole/City Council on Nov. 6 for further consideration.

Next procedural steps include submittal of final engineering, traffic and stormwater studies, park‑district coordination for park dedication, and any required amendments to the annexation agreement and PUD zoning prior to final plat and development plan approval.