The Newcastle City Council approved several planning and procurement actions during its December meeting. Highlights: the council approved the final plat for The Grove At Newcap (Item 6a), authorized staff to advertise bids for Ridge drain improvement Phase 2 (Item 7) and Town Center Plaza paving and drainage, and approved purchase of replacement bleachers for the sports complex.

The Grove At Newcap: A development engineer presented plans for a senior multifamily complex—19 one‑story buildings with approximately 120 units, a fenced site and masonry standards (85% on elevations). Drainage was designed to discharge to an existing detention pond; sanitary sewer service will use an 8‑inch line served by Grama Prairie Sewer. The developer requested a variance to omit sidewalks along Garrett and NW 16th, and staff described an ADA ramp connection to a nearby trail. Following planning staff and engineer responses to questions about drainage and maintenance (HOA responsibilities for private drives), the council voted to approve the final plat.

Stormwater and paving procurement: Staff reported Phase 1 drainage work near completion and requested authorization to advertise bids for Phase 2 with a goal to complete the overall project by June 30. The council approved the authorization after discussion of scope and estimates that came in below budget. The council also approved advertising bids for Town Center Plaza paving and drainage, with staff noting city crews will install water and sewer lines and paving would likely begin in late spring or early summer.

Parks equipment: Parks staff recommended replacing deteriorated bleachers at the sports complex; council approved awarding the low bid (approximately $71,000) to replace multiple aluminum bleacher sections to address safety concerns.

Continued items and other motions: The council continued several zoning/plat items (Item 6b and 6d) to the next regular meeting and handled consent agenda exceptions (item 4h approving disaster preparedness and evacuation guidelines that feed the city’s hazard mitigation plan).

Votes at a glance: agenda and consent agenda (approved); approval of final plat (6a) — passed by roll call; authorization to advertise Phase 2 drainage (7) — passed; advertising for Town Center paving and drainage — passed; purchase of bleachers — passed; several planning hearings continued to the next meeting.

Next steps: staff will publish bid solicitations for the drainage and paving projects, proceed with planning and permitting for The Grove at Newcap construction, and continue outreach on grant/MOU details tied to county funds.