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Planning commission approves Ewing Woods open-space plan
Summary
The Lancaster City Planning Commission unanimously approved Casto’s Open Space plan for the multifamily portion of Ewing Woods on April 9, including roughly 2.5 acres of on-site amenities and a fee-in-lieu estimate of $80,671.40; the obligations will be recorded on the final plat.
The Lancaster City Planning Commission on April 9 approved the Open Space plan for Ewing Woods, a multifamily portion of a development east of Sheridan Drive and adjacent to Thomas Ewing Jr. High School.
The plan, presented by Casto agent Chris Tumblin, estimates the multifamily portion will house about 420 residents, triggering a parkland dedication requirement of 2.1 acres and a fee-in-lieu estimate of $80,671.40. Tumblin said the public-space proposal — brought to the Park Board on March 4, 2026 — includes a picnic area, pickleball courts, a playground, open green space and a multi-use path to the nearby school. "There are about 2.5 acres that will have a pickleball court, playground area, and a covered pavilion area with adjacent grilling spaces," he said.
Why it matters: The plan determines how much open space the developer must provide on site versus paying a fee to the city; it affects neighborhood access to recreation and the city’s parkland inventory. Mayor Don McDaniel said the Park Board approved the proposal on March 4, 2026.
Commissioner Bob Lovell asked how the city will ensure the developer constructs the promised amenities if they are not delivered at buildout. Curt Shonk of the city’s Engineering Department said the requirement will be reflected on the final plat recorded with the county and that the area will be designated for public use. "It would be on the final plat that is recorded at the county, that the area would be for public use," Shonk said.
Commissioner Sherry Orlando moved to approve the Public Sites and Open Space Plan; Rick Wilkens seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve the plan; Service Safety Director Carrie Woody carried the motion.
The commission adjourned at 9:33 a.m. after a brief procedural motion by Rick Wilkens, seconded by Jan Coccia.
Next steps: The plan approval will be reflected on the development’s final plat as it moves through subdivision and permitting procedures.
