New 34-home subdivision approved near Calhoun Street and Dr. Carreon Boulevard

Indio’s Planning Commission recommended approval for a new 34-lot single-family residential subdivision on a vacant 5.62-acre site near the intersection of Calhoun Street and Dr. Carreon Boulevard at their meeting on Wednesday.

The Sandpiper project will subdivide one existing parcel into 34 residential lots with homes ranging in size from about 2,500 square feet to 2,800 square feet. According to planning documents, home prices are expected to be about $500,000, less than the city’s media home price of $619,000.

Robert Jimenez, speaking on behalf of the ownership, told commissioners, “We’re excited for this project. We think this is gonna complete this neighborhood…and we think this project’s gonna be a good addition to the city.”

The project site is surrounded by existing residential development, with single-family housing to the north, south and west, and multi-family residential development to the east.

Commissioner Gloria Franz questioned the housing type, asking, “Is there a reason why not town homes or any other style of houses weren’t discussed? We always need to get single family detached homes.”

A representative for the developer responded that the project is a continuation of a plan that had been previously approved.

Before voting to recommend approval, the Planning Commission added a requirement to replace Australian willow trees with honey mesquite, a more native plant species. The commission also required 24-inch box trees in rear yards for privacy screening, street improvements, and utility connections.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation now goes to the City Council for final approval.

---