Neighbors protest Delaware Street rezoning as Lar Homes wins Plan Commission recommendation

The Crown Point Plan Commission on April 27 recommended two rezoning petitions (PC26‑15 and PC26‑16) that would change properties along Delaware Street from R1A to R2 to allow smaller single‑family lots (proposed 80‑by‑125‑foot building lines).

Todd Cleven of Lar Homes told the commission the developer had adjusted plans after earlier feedback and that the annexation fiscal plan showed the project would not impose a net burden on municipal services. “We listened to everything,” Cleven said, outlining the proposed products and the developer’s intention to install utilities and Delaware Street improvements at its expense.

That did not satisfy many neighbors. Dozens of residents testified about traffic strain on two‑lane Delaware, potential flooding and wetland impacts, loss of trees and wildlife, school capacity and home‑value concerns. “We live where we live because we want the country life,” said Jamie Lee, an adjacent resident. “We do not want subdivisions behind us.” Several speakers also flagged a perceived notice error for one adjacent property; staff confirmed that the legal descriptions in the record did not include that parcel.

Commissioners focused on lot size, setbacks and protections. Staff and the petitioner agreed to a zoning commitment — recorded as a covenant — that the developer will deliver minimum 80‑foot widths at the building line and 125‑foot lot depths where possible and will not exceed an approved lot count (172 units). The commission voted 6‑1 on one petition and recommended approval of the companion petition with the same conditions; the city council will consider the rezones in a subsequent meeting.

Because the matter affects stormwater, wildlife and school impact, staff noted petitioners will still need to demonstrate mitigation and infrastructure in subsequent primary/secondary plats and in site development reviews.