Planning commission approves Enclave Estates site plan for 60 townhomes; related housing preview scheduled for March

The Batesville Planning Commission approved the large‑scale site plan for Track Two of the Enclave Estates development, authorizing a 60‑unit townhome project with 122 parking spaces and 10 accessible stalls, the commission said at its meeting.

Jake Chavis of Odyssey Engineering, representing Wade Estates, told the commission the Enclave site is roughly a 40‑acre parcel that will be split into four tracks; the commission was asked to act only on Track Two. "We are proposing 60 town homes ... with a total of 122 spaces and 10 handicap spaces," Chavis said, and described an on‑site stormwater detention pond, a storm distribution network, and an 8‑inch water main to be dedicated to the city after construction. He said sewer would be private on site and would tie into the city main.

Staff told the commission they had reviewed the submittal and found it largely complete for a large‑scale development, and the fire marshal had been consulted about meeting egress and safety requirements. Commissioners pressed the applicant on points of access and connectivity, including how the development will tie into Jean Street, Lynn Lane and existing Broadwater subdivision roads; Chavis said the design includes a second access aligning with future phases and connections to Broadwater.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the hard‑copy site plan on file; the motion carried. The transcript does not record a named mover, seconder or a roll‑call tally. Commission members noted that approval was predicated on staff comfort with the final technical materials: staff confirmed they had reviewed fire, engineering and code requirements and that outstanding items would be resolved before final construction approvals.

The developer also previewed an adjacent Upward Housing concept on the same property that is expected for the March agenda. The applicant said the family side would include about 40 apartment‑style units and the senior side about 40 one‑story fourplexes (80 units total across the two components). That package is not being acted on tonight; staff and the commission discussed the need for a lot split next month to formalize track boundaries before further approvals.

Commissioners and staff asked that applicants continue to notify adjoining property owners; staff recommended that the applicant forward copies of mailed notices to the city for the public record. The commission closed the item and moved on to other agenda business.

What happens next: the applicant will submit a lot‑split to define tracks, return materials for the March agenda for review of the remaining tracks and the Upward Housing proposal, and resolve any remaining technical comments from the city engineer and fire marshal.