At last night’s meeting, the Big Rapids City Commission unanimously approved a preliminary plan for a condominium development on Bjornson Street.

The property at 1102 Bjornson St. spans about 20 acres and is zoned R-1. The first phase of the project will include 23 single-family homes. Phase two will add 31 units, creating a total of 54 units after completion.

Two new roads, extensions of Loudon and Mechanic streets, will be developed on the property. The Department of Public Works raised concerns about stormwater, sanitary systems, street maintenance, and road turnarounds, which must be addressed in further development. Six different house designs, including bi-level and ranch-style, were presented to the commission as samples for the project. 

“In the next year, we’ll need new roads, sewer and public infrastructure,” said Michelle Stenger, community development director. “We’re in negotiations with the developer, and those are not part of this proposal. The proposal before you tonight is mainly to approve the applicant’s layout.”

The preliminary condominium subdivision plan is valid for two years, with the option for a one-year extension if needed.

The Planning Commission granted initial approval for the project on July 16.

Green Development Ventures, based in Portage, is leading the project. The company has developed similar properties in White Cloud and Greenville.