After residents of downtown Valparaiso complained about the size of a proposed condominium complex, developers have revised plans to build four instead of six three-story units.
The new plans for the site at 151 and 153 South Morgan Boulevard were presented at a recent Site Review Committee by LJF Investments. Jim Ford of LJF said the middle two units were removed for design and water issues.
A lawsuit filed by neighbors in May didn’t factor into the decision, he said, but they’ll end up getting the decreased density they sought.
Also, developers will try to save the large oak tree on the property and a retaining wall along Morgan to support the sloping land there. The land is three parcels that will be subdivided into four lots with two duplexes, each being a separate home, Ford said. The townhome-style buildings will have individual garages and personal elevators.
The lawsuit, which was dismissed Aug, 3, contested some of the 10 variations the developers received from the Board of Zoning Appeals on May 17, including density, having a multi-family zoning in a single-family neighborhood, and too little green space.
LJF attorney Todd Leeth said he wasn’t sure whether the developers would have to appear before the Board of Zoning Appeals with the change in plans.
Mayor Jon Costas has said having more downtown living is a goal of his administration.
Also at the meeting, the committee reviewed plans for the proposed 68-lot Hawthorne North subdivision in the 4900 block of North Calumet Avenue, north of the existing Hawthorn subdivision. Homes would be similar or more expensive than the existing ones.
“It’s just a continuation of the same community,” Attorney Todd Leeth said.
The developers want to begin as soon as possible and intend to present a preliminary plat at the Dec. 13 plan commission meeting.
James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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