Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hanover commission presses developer to address traffic, buffers and tree removal in Schendel Farm concept plan
Summary
At its Oct. 27 meeting the Hanover Planning Commission reviewed the Schendel Farm concept plan for 1112 River Road NE, raising concerns about traffic, proximity of proposed homes to River Road, tree removal, park placement near industrial zoning and storm‑sewer mapping; the commission requested the developer return with revisions.
The Hanover Planning Commission reviewed a concept plan for Schendel Farm, a proposed development at 1112 River Road NE, at its Oct. 27, 2025 meeting and asked that the developer return with revisions addressing traffic, buffering and site‑design concerns. City Planner Cindy Nash said staff and the City Engineer’s comment letters identified issues the commission and residents had also noted and recommended the items be resolved in a revised submittal.
Why it matters: The parcel sits adjacent to existing homes and a section of River Road where residents reported recurring street racing and speeding. Public commenters said some homes sit about 10 feet from River Road and noted the concept plan places a potential new home roughly 7.5 feet from an existing house; neighbors asked for a 20‑foot buffer and berms to reduce noise and risk to properties.
Commissioners and residents raised multiple discrete concerns about the plan. Commissioners asked for the plan to show precise measurements and housing types, and to identify utilities and access for the proposed neighborhood park; they also questioned why the proposed industrial acreage appeared to differ from the comprehensive plan’s guidance. The commission asked that street alignment be modified to reduce vehicle speeds and that a buffer—trees or other screening—separate residential lots from the industrial area.
Developer attendance and responses: The developer was not present. Tony Ross, the owner of an existing industrial business in Hanover who indicated interest in acquiring the industrial parcel, attended and answered a few commission and public questions but was not positioned to present a revised plan. The Planning Commission formally requested that the developer appear at the next meeting with the requested updates completed.
Public‑safety and pedestrian measures were also raised during public comment. Residents urged roundabouts or other traffic‑calming measures at new access points, lower speed limits of 30 mph approaching roundabouts and on stretches near Hilltop Bar & Grill, and signalized flashing beacons at crosswalks tied to any roundabout design to highlight pedestrians.
No formal action was taken on the concept plan at the meeting. Procedural motions to approve the meeting agenda and the Sept. 22, 2025 minutes carried unanimously; the commission adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Motion to approve agenda — moved by Commissioner Jim Schendel, seconded by Commissioner Cody Vojacek; motion carried unanimously. Motion to approve Sept. 22, 2025 minutes — moved by Commissioner Chad Olson, seconded by Commissioner Cody Vojacek; motion carried unanimously. Motion to adjourn — moved by Chair Stan Kolasa, seconded by Commissioner Cody Vojacek; motion carried unanimously.
Next steps: The commission expects the developer to submit a revised concept plan addressing the planner’s and engineer’s comments and to attend the next Planning Commission meeting to present those revisions.
