Plan Commission approves Fir Road Flats plat for two 16‑unit apartment buildings; drainage design still in progress

The Mishawaka Plan Commission on July 14 approved plat 26‑10, a one‑lot minor subdivision intended to consolidate parcels and right‑of‑way to allow construction of two 16‑unit apartment buildings.

Jeff Ballard of Dan Charter and Associates told the commission the site was recently annexed and rezoned to R‑3 (multifamily residential). Ballard said engineering staff raised questions about a drainage easement and an existing basin (previously under county control) that will be reconfigured and possibly enlarged; he said design is ongoing and the final drainage numbers are not yet complete but a full wetland report exists and can be shared with the city.

Why it matters: Approval of the plat clears a procedural step toward development of two 16‑unit apartment buildings on the site, but key stormwater and wetland configuration details remain under design. Any final development will require compliance with engineering requirements and any necessary permits.

During the hearing, an engineering question asked whether the applicants had exchanged detailed information on the drainage easement and wetland. Ballard said the design is in progress and that some of the drainage may be held on site—either under pavement or in a small dry basin—and that the basin will be pushed slightly south. He said the team has prepared a full wetland report and expects to finalize design details by the end of the week.

The commission moved to approve plat 26‑10 with no public opposition; the motion was seconded and the plat passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Applicant will finalize drainage plans and share technical reports with the city; subsequent site‑plan review and permitting will address the engineering details needed for construction.