Hebron council adopts rezoning for 129‑home 'Hebron Landing' after residents raise flood and density concerns

The Village Council of Hebron voted Sept. 25 to adopt Ordinance 31‑24, rezoning two parcels on West Main Street to allow a Planned Residential Development called Hebron Landing, a 129‑home subdivision that the developer says will preserve more than half the site as open space.

Andy Gottesman, land acquisition manager for MI Homes, told the public the company has worked with village staff, neighbors and the Planning & Zoning Board and presented a plan for about 53.4 acres that would include 129 homes, a pedestrian path and roughly 53% (about 28 acres) of open or public use. MI Homes showed an example streetscape and, according to Gottesman, believes ‘‘this is what consumers today want.’’

Why it matters: The ordinance was adopted at the conclusion of a public hearing after neighbors raised several specific concerns — primarily flooding, density and parking — that councilmembers pressed the developer and engineering consultants to address during the meeting.

Residents at the hearing warned that tighter lot patterns could change Hebron’s character and exacerbate local water problems. Todd Messenger said he did not accept the argument ‘‘this is what home buyers want — small lots and shared open space’’ and asked what Village advantage small lots would provide. Kevin Hartman asked whether the Village should be concerned about possible lawsuits if flooding occurs after development.

Developers and technical consultants said the project includes both on‑site stormwater storage and ties into a proposed village overflow channel intended to route water around the heart of town. Steve Schehl, speaking for the development team, said there will be "more than enough storage to adhere to Hebron’s stormwater regulations." V3 Companies’ Stephen Kopechek said the village model is still being finalized but added, "we are seeing significant flood reduction in the modeling," and described a proposed overflow channel that would divert flow to the south fork instead of through residential areas.

Neighbors also raised concerns about access and property operations. Robert Needham said his family’s farm lies south of the site and asked where the proposed 8‑foot fence would be placed to ensure access for semitrailers and heavy equipment and to secure nearby oil wells. Gottesman said MI Homes would coordinate directly with Mr. Needham on fence placement.

On street design, Kopechek told council the development would allow parking on only one side of the street and said there is "ample space" for that configuration; Gottesman added parking is typically allowed on the non‑fire‑hydrant side.

Council action: Village Solicitor Wesley K. Untied told council that under the Village zoning code, Council must adopt or deny the ordinance at the conclusion of the public hearing rather than proceed with the typical three‑reading schedule. Councilmember Annelle Porter moved to suspend the readings; the motion was seconded by Council President Randy Wolf and passed on a roll‑call vote with all members present voting in favor. Randy Wolf then moved to adopt Ordinance 31‑24 as presented; the motion was seconded by Stacy Stoner. The roll call to adopt passed with five yes votes and one no: Randy Wolf, Annelle Porter, Jerry Carpenter, Stacy Stoner and Kenney Nauer voted yes; Andrea Chapman voted no.

What remains: Project proponents say the development’s stormwater design and the proposed overflow channel will reduce modeled flood impacts; the village model is being finalized. The ordinance was adopted and no additional readings were scheduled at the meeting. The council adjourned at 6:12 p.m.