St John Plan Commission clears accelerated notice for Continental re‑subdivision public hearing

Cam Stansovvich of Shilling Development told the St John Plan Commission on June 3 that the applicant seeks to re‑subdivide Continental lots 15, 16 and 17, converting three lots into two so a resident on one lot would have more space for a home.

Commission discussion covered a proposed developer‑imposed conservation easement on the northeast side of the reconfigured lots that would restrict filling, grading, tree removal and new structures within a roughly 25‑foot backyard buffer. Staff clarified the easement is a private, developer‑created restriction intended as a built‑in buffer, not a federal or state conservation designation.

The applicant requested an accelerated timeline so the item could proceed to a public hearing in June. Staff said to meet notice requirements the town must publish in the newspaper and have signs and mailers placed by Sunday; mailings would be to landowners (including vacant parcels) and applicants can provide a certified owner list or obtain it from Lake County.

Commissioner John Gil moved to grant approval for the applicant to publish notice for the June 17 meeting; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote reported as 7‑0. Commissioners also required that public works confirm removal of any redundant water service connection if lot 16 is eliminated and that the applicant address one‑per‑lot service‑box requirements in the final materials; staff said those conditions are already noted in the draft final letter.

The commission will hear the item at the June 17 study session and may schedule a public hearing for the June public meeting if notice and procedural requirements are satisfied.