ANDERSON – The first step toward a new housing development near the Lapel exit on Interstate 69 has been approved.
The Madison County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance to rezone 160 acres on the northwest corner of Indiana 13 and County Road 900 South, which is adjacent to the existing Summer Lake subdivision in Green Township. A previous reference to the location was incorrect.
The rezoning request was made by Lennar Homes for the proposed Springbrook development for 415 homes in the $220,000 to $325,000 price range.
Keith Lash, vice president of land acquisition and development for Lennar, said the company decided on the location in Madison County because of its prior experience in Hamilton County.
“The location has immediate access to Interstate 69 and the Hamilton Town Center,” he said.
Lash said the school systems in southern Madison County have become more balanced with schools in Hamilton County.
“Millennials will gravitate to the site,” he said. “You can buy a house in Madison County for $30,000 less than in Hamilton County for the same home.”
Lash said Lennar hopes to start construction on the infrastructure to the site in January.
Brad Newman, director of the Madison County Planning Department, said Lennar has submitted a sketch plan for the site.
He said there are several steps including a preliminary plat, Drainage Board approval, a construction plan and final plat that has to be approved by the Plan Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
Newman said the proposed development will have 10 phases that will require 10 final plat approvals.
“There are multiple steps,” he said. “This is the first major subdivision since the county adopted a new zoning ordinance.”
The commissioners asked several questions about why Lennar decided to seek an R-3 residential zoning instead of R-2.
Lash said it was the minimum size of the building lots, the difference being 6,000 square feet as compared to 8,000 square feet.
The larger lot size would increase the price of the single-family houses, he said.
Newman said there will be discussions between the developer and county officials concerning the width of the streets and access off of Ind. 13.
Lash said the houses will be built with large enough garages to provide storage space for the buyers and include the ability to park vehicles in the garage.
Green Township Trustee Greg Valentine said the Vernon Township Fire Department has agreed to provide fire and emergency medical services to the development.
Newman said the brick homes will range from 1,400 square feet to 3,500 square feet and be priced from $220,000 to $325,000.
“The lots are quite a bit larger than what is required,” he said.
There will be 271 lots of 7,800 square feet and 144 parcels at 9,100 square feet.
At an average price of $300,000 per home, the investment for the 415 houses is approximately $124 million with an estimated $12.4 million for the infrastructure improvements.
The site plan calls for four retention ponds.
Lash said 40 of the 160 acres will be used for common areas to include a swimming pool, children’s pool and playground.