The first step in moving toward a commercial development along Anchorage Road was made tonight at the Warsaw Plan Commission meeting.

The Anchorage Point Subdivision, a 7-lot development that will include mostly retail businesses and some offices, received a preliminary nod of approval to move forward with technical development for a final plat plan. Represented by Syracuse attorney Steve Snyder, Anchorage Properties LLC went before the WPC Monday night.

The plan was first presented to the city in 2006 and received approval, according to Snyder who said, “We visited this six years ago and was approved, then the crash came.”

Snyder noted the economy was the reason why Anchorage Properties LLC failed to follow through with their development plans in 2006. Even now, although the development calls for 7 lots on the 13.04-acre tract, Snyder said they cannot say when all of the buildings will be constructed for commercial use.

City planner Jeremy Skinner introduced the proposed development to the WPC and noted his recommendations and recommendations made by the Warsaw Traffic Commission, which met last week and discussed the proposal.

Among the conditions requested of Anchorage Properties LLC, according to Skinner, is the construction of a right turn lane for traffic westbound on Anchorage Road, the construction of sidewalks on the north side of Anchorage Road, additional right-of-way footage, and the continuation of curbs along any new portions of Anchorage Road.

Snyder said they would have no objections to the additional 10 feet of right-of-way to be dedicated, but disagreed with the need for a full right turn lane, sidewalks and curbing. The biggest reason for disputing the sidewalks and curbing is the drainage which Snyder insisted is more important.

Snyder also said adding sidewalks to the north side of the road will only encourage pedestrians to cross the already busy road. “Sidewalks on the south side is logical, but not on the north side. You’ll have a sidewalk going east that stops at U.S. 30,” he explained.

Of the full turn lane, Snyder said Anchorage Road is already a 30 mph zone so does not see the need for turn lane.

WPC member Rick Keeven asked what kind of commercial business will be in the development, but neither Snyder nor his clients would name any specific business. They only said retail businesses will dominate the 7 lots, but that at least a couple of offices will also be likely.

Skinner agreed to have the city engineer work with Snyder and the owners of Anchorage Properties LLC to make the determination about the sidewalks, curbing and drainage concerns.

WPC member Jim Gast asked Skinner to also look into traffic control options further west on Anchorage at Sunset Drive. He said getting onto Anchorage from Sunset is already challenging, and when Meijer opens in the spring of next year, he expects that to only get worse.

The preliminary plat for Anchorage Point was given unanimous approval for the sake of helping the developers move forward.

In a final order of business, the WPC voted to approve the sign ordinance with all of the revisions they have made over the last several months. The ordinance now goes to the Warsaw Common Council for review and a final vote.

The WPC meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month.