Council adopts update to downtown master plan, lowers heights in select blocks and seeks grocery access in Oakwood Village

The West Lafayette City Council voted to adopt an update to the downtown master plan and the Oakwood Village land‑use plan on its first and only reading.

City staff described the update as a routine revision of the downtown plan first prepared in January 2020 and revised in 2024. Chad Spitznoggle, housing director, told the council the update adjusts density and height allowances in several blocks (for example, some northeast blocks were reduced from six to four stories after review) and incorporates transportation and parking planning completed after 2020.

Councilors praised the plan’s attention to historic preservation and open space. One councilor noted a proposed park in the south area of Oakwood Village that would complement existing parkland and welcomed the plan’s mix of residential, commercial and green‑space connectivity. At the same time, councilors warned that increased density will require expanded city services, including fire, police and sanitation, and urged staff to ensure those needs are funded and planned for as development proceeds.

Several councilors and staff discussed the challenge of grocery access in the expanded downtown footprint: many grocery stores remain outside the 52 Bypass, and members asked whether city staff and the Area Plan Commission can play a role in attracting a grocer to serve the denser, more walkable downtown and Oakwood areas. Staff said attracting grocery retail is a combined effort of city staff and APC and noted prior transportation projects (including State Street) aim to support walkable retail.

The council approved the downtown update by roll call vote, 8–0. Staff said the plan reflects prior public input and will guide zoning and transportation decisions as development proceeds.