Plan Commission OKs QuikTrip, Forest City development plans; Board of Works weighs $386K Motorola purchase
The New Haven Plan Commission unanimously approved primary development plans for both the QuikTrip and Forest City projects at its July 14 meeting, marking the most consequential land-use decisions among recent city meetings.
Plan Commission: QuikTrip and Forest City approved
The commission voted unanimously on every item before it. It approved four signage waivers for the QuikTrip project and gave unanimous approval to the QuikTrip Primary Development Plan (26-PDP-102), contingent on rezoning approval by the Common Council.
The commission also provided a favorable recommendation to the Common Council for the Forest City rezoning and approved that project's Primary Development Plan (26-PDP-103) with a 25-foot railroad buffer and vegetation retention requirement.
Additionally, the commission approved the New Haven Redevelopment Commission's proposal for 622 Broadway St (26-RES-102). All votes were unanimous, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously. Minutes from the May 12 meeting were also approved unanimously.
Board of Works: Motorola equipment, Broadway conversion on agenda
The Board of Public Works & Safety met July 7 with several significant dollar items on its agenda, though minutes have not yet been published and outcomes are not confirmed. Items listed for consideration included a Motorola equipment invoice totaling $386,363.72, a VS Engineering contract for $90,830.00 for the Broadway One-Way conversion, and a Crosby Excavating change order #6 for $58,815.00 for the Tanglewood Sanitary Sewer Replacement.
The agenda also included a Kelley automotive invoice for $161,388.00 for the purchase of four Durango vehicles and a purchase-and-sale agreement with $5,000.00 in earnest money for 622 Broadway.
Common Council: Zoning map, tourism fund introduced
The Common Council held its July 7 meeting with first readings of three ordinances: one to create a Municipal Tourism Capital Fund, one to amend Section 51.074 regarding the Summer Sewer Discount, and one to amend the city's zoning map within the Plan Commission's jurisdiction. Two resolutions were also introduced to transfer city and utility funds for 2026. Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.
Park Board: Compensation, hires, projects discussed
The Park Board met July 6 to discuss officer compensation, new hires, a Schnelker camera system, updating road sign lighting to LED, and the relocation or repurposing of a farm corn crib. A rental policy and fee waiver were also on the agenda. Minutes are not yet published.
Fire/EMS Territory: Personnel actions and district discussion
The Fire/EMS Territory Board met July 9. Agenda items included a discussion of Allen County Fire & EMS District matters as unfinished business, along with new business covering a personnel promotion for Kyle Wegman to FF/Advanced EMT and the addition of part-time Basic EMTs Ian Hale and Jenna Mackin. An apparatus update and lieutenant process update were also listed. Minutes are not yet published.
Board of Zoning Appeals: Meeting cancelled
The July 15 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting was cancelled because there were no petitions to hear.
Coming up
Board of Works — July 21: The board will consider approving invoices totaling more than $300,000, including $48,614.00 to DLZ for South Maplecrest improvements, $51,094.37 to API for Edgerton Road Rehabilitation, and a Metropolitan Title Settlement Statement of $143,377.61. The board will also vote on purchasing a 2026 Chevy Tahoe for $54,010.50.
Common Council — July 21: The council will hold a second reading of Ordinance Z-26-13, amending the zoning map for the Plan Commission's jurisdictional area, along with a first reading of a similar zoning map amendment ordinance. Officer Andrew Clark will be sworn in, and a presentation on Opportunity Zones is scheduled.