PORTAGE | The Redevelopment Commission on Wednesday approved a set of covenants that will regulate the development of the 155 city-owned acres across from AmeriPlex at the Port.

City Attorney Gregg Sobkowski said the covenants will regulate easements within the development, maintenance responsibilities, authorize the commission to establish fees for the maintenance of common areas and establish an architectural review process for construction of any buildings.

"This will help us assure it is a first-class park," said Mayor Doug Olson, the commission president.

The city is in the process of developing the acreage into an ecologically friendly business park with a commercial corridor along Ind. 249. Infrastructure, including the realignment of Southport Road and the construction of a new entrance to align with AmeriPlex Drive, should be completed next spring.

Sobkowski said the covenants are typical of those seen in high-end residential or commercial developments. Developers will be required to submit building plans to the Redevelopment Commission or its appointed committee for architectural review.

The commission also will be allowed to set fees, collect funds and award contracts for maintenance of common areas within the development.