Council refers two land‑use petitions — Illinois Street townhomes and Restoracy nursing‑campus amendment — to Land Use committee

The City Council held first readings and public hearings Feb. 16 on two planning petitions that will move to the Land Use Committee for detailed review.

Illinois Street townhomes (Pulte Homes): Attorney John Davosha and representatives from Pulte presented a rezoning request to establish the Illinois Street Townhome PUD for development of 27 three‑story for‑sale townhomes on about 4.4 acres north of 106th Street. The proposal includes more than 40% open space, tree preservation along the southern perimeter, internal-facing garage doors to reduce visibility from Illinois Street, and masonry commitments on first floors. The planning commission returned a negative recommendation (6–3) citing concerns about location and materials; one neighborhood representative — Ron Hauck, president of the Spring Mill Place HOA — addressed council in support. Councilors agreed to send the petition to the Land Use and Special Studies Committee for additional discussion and possible design revisions.

Restoracy of Carmel (MBR Carmel Health): A companion petition to amend the Greenhouse Cottages PUD and establish the Restoracy of Carmel PUD was introduced by counsel for MBR Carmel Health. The proposal would add two small ‘cottage’ skilled‑nursing buildings (12 licensed beds each) for 24 new beds; the facility includes a 30‑foot tree preservation buffer and dedicated right‑of‑way commitments (about 0.25 acre) to support future thoroughfare/trail needs. The planning commission recommended approval (9–0). Council opened and closed the public hearing with no public speakers and referred the matter to Land Use for follow‑up.

No final rezoning decisions were made at the Feb. 16 meeting; both petitions will be discussed in committee and return to council at a later date.