A Richmond developer plans to complete an east-side subdivision 45 years after six lots were left undeveloped.
Smarrelli General Contractor submitted a site plan with five homes, a cul-de-sac and detention basin in the Garwood Acres third phase. The plan accompanied a petition to vacate the six-lot plat approved in 1981.
During its Aug. 26 meeting, the Richmond Advisory Plan Commission voted 7-0 to permit the vacation. Smarrelli must now return to the plan commission for primary plat approval of its new plan, then secondary plat approval.
The new plan reduces home sites from six to five so the homes better reflect current housing preferences. It also shortens the extension of South C Street west of Garwood Road that leads to a cul-de-sac, and it puts a detention pond in the southwest corner of the 3.334 acres. The application indicates the pond will improve the area’s drainage.
Although no residents spoke during the public hearing, two neighbors returned letters to the city planning department opposing the development. Concerns included traffic, drainage and lost green space, and the neighborhood’s quiet nature.
Bruce Wissel, chair of the plan commission, pointed out that six homes were already permitted on the land and that other concerns would be addressed on an administrative level as the project proceeded. He noted that plan commission only considers if the land is a proper place for residential homes.
Shannon Hayes, the city’s planning director, recommended approval. She noted that the development is consistent with the city’s 2025 comprehensive plan update because it provides housing options within the city.
Two other petitions were tabled until the 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 plan commission meeting. Tabling the primary plat petition for the Smith Hill housing development was planned. The petition for the city to annex the U.S. 35 land where a Speedway gas station and 7-Eleven convenience store are being built was tabled because the petitioners were stuck in Interstate 70 traffic.
A version of this article appeared in the September 2 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
