Morgan County Plan Commission approves two six‑lot minor plats after residents raise wildlife and water concerns

The Morgan County Plan Commission voted May 11 to approve two adjacent minor plats from Legacy Land Solutions that will create 12 residential lots across roughly 50 acres.

David Gilman, representing Legacy Land Solutions LLC, asked the commission to approve Legacy Estate at Paradise (36.66 acres to be divided into six lots) and Legacy Meadows (14.39 acres into six lots). Gilman said the proposals comply with the subdivision control ordinance, that septic systems have been approved by the county health department and that wells will be constructed by certified drillers to meet DNR water standards.

The plats would create a mix of two‑acre and larger parcels, Gilman said, with two‑acre lots projected at about $125,000 and six‑acre lots near $250,000; he estimated finished homes on the sites could be "$400,000 and up." He told the commission the developers will record restrictive covenants prohibiting future lot splits, setting minimum home sizes (single‑story minimum 1,600 square feet; two‑story minimum 2,100 square feet) and establishing appearance and animal restrictions.

During the public hearing, residents urged the commission to reject or tighten the proposals. "We have many deer, turkeys, wild cats, rabbits — where's our wildlife gonna stay?" said Janet Bingham, who said her family has lived on adjacent property since 1965 and raised concerns about low water pressure and poor soil percolation that she said previously required very large septic systems. Jenny Bruns, who lives opposite the site, said additional homes would bring more traffic, dumped trash and stolen vehicles.

Gilman responded that the parcels proposed for subdivision are "probably the least wooded" in the area and said the developer would leave tree‑lined drainage runs intact and add covenant language limiting crossings of those drainage areas to maintain wildlife movement corridors. He asked the commission to acknowledge the plats' compliance with development standards and approve them as presented.

Commission members discussed density and rural character, with one member calling 12 homes on roughly 50 acres a low‑density option and another cautioning that converting tillable ground could encourage brush and give wildlife more cover. The commission also noted the covenants prohibit vinyl siding and include appearance standards and maintenance rules intended to protect neighborhood character.

The chair moved to approve MIP 2606 (Legacy Land Solutions—Legacy Estate at Paradise); the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The commission then moved to approve MIP 2607 (Legacy Meadows); that motion also carried by voice vote. No roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript for either vote.

The commission closed the public hearing after the approvals and moved on to other business.