Commission tables large development-agreement proposal after sharp public opposition to density and wetland impacts

After lengthy public comment and technical review, the Perry City Planning Commission voted to table Ordinance 26N — a proposed development agreement for roughly 33 acres near Olsen Orchards — and asked the developer to return with revisions. Staff said the developer's concept shows 74 single-family lots (with one-acre lots on the west and smaller lots down to about 6,700 square feet), while a careful baseline comparison that excludes noncontiguous parcels would put the current permitted yield at approximately 49 units including eight townhomes.

Residents criticized the proposed increase in density and possible wetland impacts. Roland Heinrichsen, who lives adjacent to the site, told the commission the proposal had gone from larger lots to much smaller ones and said, "You're talking about going from 0.5 an acre to 0.15 acres." He also alleged recent construction activities crossing wetlands; the developer disputed neither that allegation nor provided a specific rebuttal in the hearing. The developer representative, Alex Owens of Lincoln Construction, said the team has installed upgraded water and sewer mains nearby and described the '6‑pack' private-drive product as a smaller-lot single-family answer to affordability. Commissioners asked for a revised layout that narrows the density increase, clarifies the baseline comparison, shows concrete community benefits tied to any extra density and resolves road alignment and wetlands issues. The commission directed staff and the applicant to return with revisions, likely in September.