The Village of Mahomet Plan and Zoning Commission is set to review a proposal for a new residential subdivision on Thornewood Drive at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The development, dubbed “The Knolls at Wrenwood,” would bring 34 new single-family homes to a 12-acre site located on the south side of Thornewood Drive, just east of Lombard Street.

The proposal, submitted by Dalco Design Build and owner Lane Evans Design Build, hinges on a rezoning request that would increase the density allowed on the property. Currently zoned R-1A (Single-Family Residential) for large lots, the developers are asking to split the site into two different zoning districts: 6.06 acres of R-1B and 5.94 acres of R-1C.

According to village documents, this rezoning would allow for smaller lot sizes than currently permitted, facilitating a denser neighborhood layout. The preliminary site plan included in the meeting packet outlines 34 residential lots and one “commons” lot for a water feature, totaling 35 parcels.

In their application, the developers argue that the mix of R-1B and R-1C zoning will “create a more balanced neighborhood” by offering housing diversity suitable for both first-time homebuyers and residents looking to downsize. They state the plan represents the “highest and best use” of the land, which is currently an undeveloped grass field previously used for agriculture.

Village staff have recommended approval of the rezoning, noting that the site has access to existing public utilities and that the proposed density aligns with the village’s comprehensive plan for residential growth in the area.

In addition to the new subdivision, the commission will consider two other items:

• Church Agriculture Request: The Living Word Omega Message Church is seeking to “downzone” its 13.15-acre property at 1202 N. Lombard Street from Residential (R-1A/R-1B) to Agricultural (AG). The change would allow the church to keep animals and conduct agricultural activities on the site legally.
• Zoning Code Updates: The commission will also review text amendments to the village zoning ordinance. Proposed changes include splitting the definition of “Agricultural Activity” into separate “plant” and “animal” categories and adding “Commercial Outdoor Recreation” (such as campgrounds) as a conditional use in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district.

The meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Village Administration Building, 503 E. Main Street.

Currently, the Village expects additional developments in the Harvest Edge and Prairieside Subdivisions.