VERMILION TOWNSHIP — Township officials are signaling serious scrutiny ahead of a public hearing later this month that could shape the future of a proposed residential development known as the Kneisel Development PUD, which would expand the existing Vineyard Estates subdivision.
At the May 7, 2025 meeting of the Vermilion Township Board of Trustees, discussion focused on the proposal to add 37 to 39 new homes near Chardonnay Circle. While the project hasn’t received approval yet, trustees made it clear that developers should be prepared to answer tough questions.
Trustees Want Answers
Trustee Don Rowe Sr. didn’t mince words as he laid out multiple concerns he expects to address at the upcoming hearing. These include:
How the developer intends to manage goose deterrents around the pond, including concerns over the loud sound devices currently in use as he laid out several issues he intends to raise at the upcoming hearing:
Whether the retention pond has had any scheduled maintenance over the past 20 years — and what the long-term stormwater management plan looks like.
Why a clubhouse and pool, promised in original plans, were never constructed.
Who will be responsible for keeping construction debris and mud off township roads, especially on Kneisel Road, which frequently floods after rain.
What the plan is for the unfinished access road, and whether the existing Homeowners Association will extend to new residents.
Whether buyers can bring in their own builders or if the development will be a captive build.
- How will stormwater be managed, and who’s responsible for pond maintenance over time?
- Will mailbox placement and road access be safe and convenient for residents?
- Who are the builders, how will construction be phased, and what guarantees are in place?
Trustee Kenn Baughman emphasized the need for sidewalk connectivity, especially to Kneisel Road and along its frontage. He stressed that safe pedestrian access should not be an afterthought and recalled how firsthand tragedy shaped his commitment: “If you’ve ever seen a kid get hit by a car because there were no sidewalks, it changes you.”
Both trustees expressed a desire to see thorough planning and accountability before moving forward.
Public Hearing Details
The public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Vermilion Township Offices, 1907 State Road
Residents are encouraged to attend if they want their voices heard. Public comment will be part of the official record and could influence the decision.
Why It Matters
The Kneisel PUD could bring dozens of new families into the community, reshaping a quiet corner of Vermilion Township. With ongoing concerns about emergency access, infrastructure limits, and long-term maintenance, township leaders say now is the time to ask hard questions.
For residents, this hearing is more than a formality — it’s a chance to help shape what their neighborhood will look like for years to come.
