Commission recommends approval of two-lot resubdivision at 0 Meadow/Metal Lane, with drainage questions noted

The Highland Park Plan and Design Commission on June 16 recommended approval of a final plat to resubdivide a roughly 2-acre parcel at 0 Meadow/Metal Lane into two approximately one-acre buildable lots. Planner Anthony Mistrea said the lots comply with most zoning standards but require two variations related to lot frontage on private streets and irregular (non-four-sided) lot shapes; the applicant also requested a waiver of the requirement to bury utility lines.

Mistrea said engineering comments note an existing grade condition in which runoff from one of the new lots would flow onto the other. “With the new lot lines, lot two will need to accept lot one’s drainage runoff,” he told the commission and asked commissioners to consider whether to add conditions addressing stormwater at subdivision stage.

Applicant attorney Cal Bernstein told the commission that the application is preliminary and that no civil engineer has yet been retained; he said drainage and grading will be addressed with building-permit filings and that a civil engineer will design required stormwater management when development occurs.

Two nearby residents, Jack Strom and Michael McGee, spoke during public comment, asking how driveways and curb cuts would be sited and whether street access could be provided from Meadow Lane rather than Thornwood to reduce traffic impacts. Bernstein said current easements allow access from the private streets within the subdivision and that driveway locations will be resolved by future owners and during permit review.

Commissioner Danny Mantis moved to adopt draft findings recommending approval of the final plat with variations; the motion was seconded by Vice Chair Josh Nannis and passed on a roll call vote (6–0). Director Fontaine recorded the vote, with Commissioner Inchek voting remotely.