Developer to fund Jefferson Ditch work; board approves $40,000 contribution and mass grading

Andrea Mascar, representing 1846 Enterprises, told the Grant County Drainage Board on June 9 that her company seeks approval to proceed with mass grading for a master‑planned “hospitality neighborhood” adjacent to Taylor University that would include 24 duplexes, 16 townhomes and a boutique hotel with managed cottage units.

Mascar said the site’s Jefferson Ditch runs through the rear of the property and that the developer has designed four ponds and stormwater controls to reduce the site’s runoff. She said the development responds to a county housing study calling for additional units and that grant funding requires project completion by the end of 2028.

The board and staff discussed the ditch’s maintenance history and the absence of a current Jefferson assessment roll. Raymond reported the county has no active assessment roll for Jefferson and that the drainage board could create one and a budget if the board chooses. Andrea and Andrew (developer representative) offered a one‑time contribution to jump‑start a Jefferson Ditch fund; they said 1846 could not commit more than $50,000 and asked for consideration of a credit against future assessments.

Board members pressed on easement width, tree preservation and who would maintain retention ponds. Alex McDaniel, the project’s technical presenter, described the site work planned for phase one—mass grading, excavation of the four ponds, building pad grading, and erosion controls—and said the proposed stormwater measures reduce on‑site runoff compared with current conditions. He characterized existing runoff as about 110 cubic feet per second and said proposed infrastructure would cut that flow substantially (Alex’s transcript wording for the proposed discharge was unclear and is reported here as stated on the record).

Commissioners repeatedly emphasized preserving wooded buffers along the ditch and asked for a written maintenance commitment. Andrea said 1846 Enterprises would retain ownership of primary infrastructure and that homeowner associations and management agreements would govern long‑term upkeep; she agreed to provide a written maintenance pledge.

After discussion about assessment mechanics, easement limits and whether up‑front contributions should yield assessment credits, a board member moved to accept a $40,000 contribution (reduced from the developer’s $50,000 offer) and to approve the mass‑grading work for the Upland Main Street Mile hospitality project so the developer can proceed with erosion‑control permitting. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The board directed staff to prepare an assessment plan for Jefferson Ditch, to record the developer’s written maintenance agreement when provided, and to return with a recommended budget and assessment roll for future action.