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Whitestown plan commission approves Hawthorne Grove preliminary plat amid resident concerns about connectivity and housing mix
Summary
Commissioners approved the Hawthorne Grove primary plat (PC26-020), a roughly 90-acre subdivision proposing 219 lots including townhomes and single-family products. A nearby Trailside resident objected to the proposed connection to Trailside and said the new products are not "like-kind" to existing homes; petitioners and staff said connectivity was requested by planning staff to improve emergency access, walkability and future connectivity and that ditch and culvert work will address drainage concerns.
The Whitestown Plan Commission approved the Hawthorne Grove primary plat (PC26-020) after a presentation by petitioner representatives and a public hearing in which a nearby Trailside resident objected to the proposed connection between the developments.
Josh Scribe of American Structure Point described Hawthorne Grove as a roughly 90-acre development with 219 total lots including townhomes, Arbor Homes, Silverthorn product and Arrival lots; the site plan includes multiple entrances, ponds for stormwater management, trails, playgrounds and future connection stubs. Petitioners noted they will perform ditch improvements to Jackson Run and work with the Boone County surveyor to model flows and design culvert crossings.
Trailside resident Doug Weisheit said he objected to connecting Hawthorne Grove to Trailside because the proposed home types and price points are not "like-kind" to houses already in Trailside and because the connection would channel traffic through his neighborhood. "We're not objecting to the development ... just that it's connected to Trailside," Weisheit said at the public hearing, and he urged the commission to consider the neighborhood impact of the connection.
Petitioners and staff responded that two entrances are required and that planning staff had requested connectivity to promote continuous neighborhoods, improved emergency access for police and fire, and better walkability. Representatives said the Silverthorn homes could include three-car garages and that some home products might reach higher price points; developers said they would explore additional trail connections and pedestrian links where feasible.
Staff recommended approval and noted the east side of the site is zoned R-3 and the west side R-4, consistent with the proposed mix of townhomes and single-family housing. A motion to approve docket PC26-020-PP as presented and based on staff recommendations and submitted findings of fact passed by roll call vote. The petitioner will return with any required development documents, and staff said additional details on drainage, culverts and trail connections will be resolved through Boone County and town review.
