Developer proposes 25‑acre "goat farm" PUD with housing, agritourism and solar

Kevin Spely, the property owner, told the Porter Plan Commission on June 24 that he is proposing a mixed‑use planned‑unit development at 301 West Highway 20 that he’s calling the “goat farm.” Spely said the roughly 25‑acre site would feature about 52 townhome‑style residential units and four short‑term rental units in phase one, with the possibility of adding seven more short‑term rentals in a later phase. “I’m calling it the goat farm and we do plan on having a boutique goat operation,” Spely said, describing small‑scale goat milking demonstrations, cheese and soap production, an apiary and farm‑market sales as part of an agritourism experience.

Town staff summarized prior Technical Advisory Committee review and flagged the primary technical hurdles: water and sewer infrastructure and access. Staff member Mike said the site drops roughly 45 feet to the south, so sewer will likely require pumping across Highway 20 and upgrades to the lift station at the Oakill Road/Dune Meadows intersection. Staff noted that Spely has explored tying into the Oakill Road water main and that an INDOT driveway permit and likely acceleration/deceleration lanes will be required for access from Highway 20.

Commissioners and the petitioner discussed phasing, market position and design. Spely said the townhome‑style units are intended as higher‑end market product (he cited a target monthly figure in the low‑$2,000s) and that the project would be built over several years. He told the commission he plans to maintain at least 10 contiguous acres as certified classified forest initially to conserve tree cover and maintain the agrarian character.

Commissioners requested a landscaping plan and anticipated technical review at the public hearing from biologists, master gardeners and public‑safety staff. The commission clarified that tonight’s action was procedural — to decide whether the proposal is sufficiently developed to be set for a public hearing and to initiate the PUD process. A motion to set the proposal for public hearing at the next meeting was moved, seconded and carried by roll call.

Next step: the petitioner’s PUD will be set for public hearing so the public and technical reviewers can comment; the PUD text and additional engineering details will be required before final approval.