By PAULENE POPARAD

A new gated entrance and private roads would serve 47 more homes in additional phases of the Sand Creek residential development.

The Chesterton Advisory Plan Commission voted Thursday to set public hearings July 19 on two petitions for property south of Porter Avenue on the west side of County Road 250E (Friday Road) across from Burdick Place and Burdick Road.

The previously platted Phase VI, closest to 250E, would have the 57 lots approved in 2003 decreased in number and increased in size to 32 lots. Seven lots in this section already have been sold so the new platting won’t vacate those portions so as not to change their legal descriptions, according to attorney Clyde Compton representing the developers.

Phase VII would include 15 lots not already platted and be located west of Phase VI abutting the Sand Creek golf course. Both phases would be accessed by a gated Brae Burn Boulevard off 250E; a second road cut to the north on 250E would allow residents to exit and emergency personnel to have an alternate route in and out of the area.

Commission member and town utility superintendent Steve Yagelski emphasized provisions need to be made to ensure access, including vehicles, to sanitary sewer infrastructure. Lot documents need to identify the easements as well, he noted, so homeowners are aware of them.

“Too many times we have fences blocking easements. When that happens, they come down at the owner’s expense. I want them to know we’ll be on (the easement) and they can’t block it,” said Yagelski.

When commission member Jeff Trout asked about the sequence of construction, he was told the streets and infrastructure would be built at the same time and all lots marketed together. Involved in the development of both phases are companies tied to James Gierczyk, who has purchased large tracts in Sand Creek and Coffee Creek Center.

Posted 6/22/2007