Board issues neutral recommendation after public concerns at hearing for 50-townhome plan on Calat Avenue

The Board of Zoning Appeals held a public hearing Nov. 2, 2025, on a developer’s request for a special‑use exception to build 50 townhomes at 935 Calat Avenue and voted to issue a neutral recommendation at this stage.

Ryan (petitioner) described the proposed site plan, saying the development would include 50 two‑story townhomes with first‑floor garages and balconies, a single access off Calat Avenue, a fire turnaround sized for emergency vehicles and additional shared parking (about eight extra spaces per six units). He said the units are planned as for‑sale product with a target price around $350,000 and that a property owners association (POA) and covenants — including limits on rentals — would be established.

Neighbors at the hearing pressed the applicants and staff on stormwater, traffic and lighting. Kathy Cudlo of 107 Windsor Lane said the area had been considered a flood zone in the past and asked whether the town’s planned lift station was a confirmed mitigation measure; staff said the town wants the lift station but its timing depends on storm‑board funding. Loretta Gallovich, vice president of the Windsor town houses association, said traffic near an existing cancer treatment center already creates unsafe crossing conditions and predicted a sharp increase in cut‑throughs and accidents if the development proceeds. Mike Hayes and others raised concerns about night‑time light pollution and asked whether the units would be rental or owner‑occupied; Ryan said the product is intended for sale and that covenants would limit rentals.

Board and staff clarified procedural steps: lot two on the plan already has plan‑commission site approval for a daycare (The Learning Experience), and lot three is expected to be purchased by the town for a future lift station. Staff and the developer said site‑plan and stormwater engineering review by the plan commission and the storm board will follow this recommendation and could require retention ponds or supplementary drainage measures. The applicants noted they must coordinate with Lake County for any work inside the county’s 75‑foot maintenance easements along the property’s north and east sides.

After public comment and applicant responses, a board member moved to give a neutral recommendation on the special‑use request “at this point”; the motion was seconded and the board voted to record that neutral position rather than a favorable or unfavorable recommendation. The neutral recommendation means technical reviews and permit steps remain before any final approval by the town council or plan commission.

The board closed the hearing and moved on to adjournment. Further procedural steps for the townhome project include stormwater engineering review and site‑plan approval by the appropriate town bodies.