Council hears staff and applicant on major amendment to Havenwood planned development

City planning staff presented a major amendment to the Havenwood planned development during the Feb. 3 Middletown City Council meeting, describing a proposal to remove the remaining commercial parcel and add 13 single‑family attached two‑story units on a 1.918‑acre site.

"This is a major amendment to a planned development," said Claire Feddersbineager during the staff report. She said the amendment seeks architectural waivers (brick only on the first‑floor front facades and vinyl on other facades), reduced setbacks (proposed front yard setback of 15 feet, side yard setback of 6 feet), and other site changes. The final development plan and plat previously established 49 parcels for the larger Havenwood development, she said, with the subject parcel previously identified for future commercial use.

Feddersbineager told council that Planning Commission approved the final development plan in April 2024 and the final plat in July 2025 and recommended the amendment for approval with conditions. The staff report noted requirements and conditions including full compliance with Chapter 12.16 of the Middletown Development Code, completion of a stormwater management plan, paved walking paths, and adherence to the Ohio Fire Code. The fire department raised concerns about vehicle and emergency access and the apparent lack of hydrant locations for Units 1–4.

Alex Batch, representing the applicant and engineering firm Bayer Becker, told council the applicant is "perfectly fine meeting all these conditions of approval" and that they will extend pavement and parking to the front of Units 1–4 and coordinate with the fire department on access needs. Batch described the product as a garage‑less design with surface parking that emphasizes porches and facades.

Assistant law director Jack Hemingway conducted a nonbinding straw poll asking whether members would support the proposal with Planning Commission conditions. The informal tally produced majority support with one abstention by Missus Carter; Hemingway said the results would be formalized in ordinance language or an agreement if council proceeds with final action.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing portion. Planning staff noted the proposed changes require city council approval because the amendment alters an approved land use within the plan development district. The council took no formal legislative action at the meeting; the amendment remains subject to later ordinance or formal vote.