Plan Commission approves final PDD for two 20‑unit apartment buildings on Riverview Drive

The Village of Howard Plan Commission on March 18 approved final Planned Development District (PDD) approval for two 20‑unit apartment buildings on VH‑455‑4 (Riverview Drive) in the Lacona Heights development, subject to seven conditions aimed at infrastructure, fire protection, screening and environmental protections.

Dave Wiese, planning staff, told the commission the site was formerly used for composting and stump grinding and has been cleared for development; he summarized prior commission concerns about screening for adjacent residential properties, trail access, riverbank dedication, stormwater management and hydrant placement. The commission heard no public comment during the scheduled public hearing, which President Burt R. McIntyre opened and closed during the March 18 meeting.

The commission voted to approve the Final PDD contingent on the developer delivering: (1) a village‑installed 10‑foot‑wide asphalt off‑street trail with a 20‑foot access route between lots; (2) a 10‑foot village‑installed asphalt trail along the wetland; (3) an approved stormwater management plan; (4) a 4‑inch master water meter in the first building and one interior private fire hydrant; (5) relocation of an existing hydrant across the street and addition of another hydrant within the development; (6) dedication of the Duck Creek riverbank area to the village; and (7) garbage and recycling areas screened with decorative fencing matching building materials. Commissioner Mike Soletski moved for approval and Dan Kussow seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Steve Bieda, the applicant’s representative and surveyor, said he did not have details at the meeting on whether air‑conditioning units would be internal or external but that he would follow up with staff. Wiese had warned the commission the site’s change in elevation may limit screening along neighboring yards; landscaping, berming and fencing were discussed as mitigation measures.

Next steps include the developer submitting a finalized stormwater management plan, coordinating with village public works and engineering on hydrant placement and water meter installation, and conveying the Duck Creek riverbank area per the approval conditions. The record shows the commission’s approval applies to the apartment portion of the Lacona Heights development and is contingent upon meeting the listed conditions before building permits or further approvals proceed.