Compiled by Sadie Hunter
The Westfield Advisory Plan Commission, at its meeting on Sept. 8, discussed major development in the city in the form of rezoning and amendment’s the city’s comprehensive plan. The commission’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at City Hall, 130 Penn St.
What happened: The commission approved a requested amendment by Kroger to the Spring Mill Station Northeast Quadrant PUD District and a request for development plan review at 161st Street and Spring Mill Road.
Why it matters: The amendment will allow the newly-renovated Kroger store to incorporate an additional 0.589 acres on the north side of the store, just south of Straughn Lane, to accommodate curbside pickup for online grocery orders. The request for development plan review will potentially incorporate a canopy over the curbside pickup area.
What happened: The commission held a public hearing for a request from KRG Bridgewater LLC and developer American Structurepoint for a development plan and primary plat review of two commercial lots on the northwest corner of Gray Road and 146th Street.
Why it matters: The development would be known as Bridgwater Pointe Shoppes. On 7.6 acres, the 14,400-square-foot retail building will have very similar architecture of similar developments nearby and would include restaurants and retail shops. A proposed seating area would feature a gazebo on the pond and would serve as an amenity for pedestrians.
What happened: The commission gave a favorable recommendation on a request by EdgeRock Development’s request for a change in zoning of 13.75 acres on the east side of Oak Ridge Road, just south of Ind. 32.
Why it matters: The change in zoning serves as the first step in EdgeRock Development’s plans to build an apartment complex on the land. Birch Dalton, of EdgeRock, said the complex would focus on studio, one-bedroom and small two-bedroom apartments for young entrepreneurs and “empty nesters”. The land serves as an intersection of two trails, the Midland Trace and the Monon.
What happened: The commission approved an amendment requested by the City of Westfield to incorporate additional real estate, approximately five acres, into the district.
Why it matters: The incorporation of the land into the Grand Park Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility district is the first step taken in the city’s plans to build a hotel or lodging nearby the facility, just south of 191st Street and directly west of the indoor facility.
What happened: The commission heard an amendment request by the City of Westfield to the Westfield-Washington Township comprehensive plan to incorporate design policies for the city’s gateway sub-district, or the four corners of the U.S. 31 and Ind. 32 intersection.
Why it matters: The city and Grand Junction task group agree the proper development of this land is vital to serve as a “dynamic and vibrant front door of Westfield.” With the Gateway Southwest development underway on one corner, Kevin Todd, senior planner for the city and petitioner for the request, said the amendment encourages larger and taller buildings to serve as landmarks. The amendment also designates more technical terms like building materials. Todd said, “As part of the downtown area, it is important that the gateway area is walkable and friendly to pedestrians…with safe, well-connected and easily maneuverable public walkways.”
