Planning Commission update from Tony Glenn
Evening everyone,
Both rezone requests (west 295 acres and east 70 acres) were approved by the Planning Commission. The vote was 6 to 2 for both.
The Planning Commission did some arm twisting on the Plum Creek developer and forced a change in the minimum square footage for the houses. The developer had in mind an “empty nest” market that would desire high quality but smaller homes (minimum of 1800 sq ft). However, since other recently approved developments in the area are targeting larger homes, the PC forced a change in the minimum to 2400 sq ft. Keep in mind that the Chair of the Planning Commission (Dan Arnold) is a partner in ALP Development, which recently got a rezone for a residential development on the adjacent property. I got the feeling that some members of the commission didn’t like the idea of the previously approved McMansions being under priced by a similar development next door that would have less expensive homes.
The hope for conservation of this land is not dead. Russ Page is working with Plum Creek headquarters on possible funds and tax strategies for putting this land into conservation. He has worked tirelessly on a similar strategy to preserve the land held by ALP Development. There is still a chance all this land can be saved for permanent conservation. To accomplish this would most certainly mean a lasting legacy for the county in terms of protected forests as well as a river walk. Many thanks Russ!
Tony Glenn
Both rezone requests (west 295 acres and east 70 acres) were approved by the Planning Commission. The vote was 6 to 2 for both.
The Planning Commission did some arm twisting on the Plum Creek developer and forced a change in the minimum square footage for the houses. The developer had in mind an “empty nest” market that would desire high quality but smaller homes (minimum of 1800 sq ft). However, since other recently approved developments in the area are targeting larger homes, the PC forced a change in the minimum to 2400 sq ft. Keep in mind that the Chair of the Planning Commission (Dan Arnold) is a partner in ALP Development, which recently got a rezone for a residential development on the adjacent property. I got the feeling that some members of the commission didn’t like the idea of the previously approved McMansions being under priced by a similar development next door that would have less expensive homes.
The hope for conservation of this land is not dead. Russ Page is working with Plum Creek headquarters on possible funds and tax strategies for putting this land into conservation. He has worked tirelessly on a similar strategy to preserve the land held by ALP Development. There is still a chance all this land can be saved for permanent conservation. To accomplish this would most certainly mean a lasting legacy for the county in terms of protected forests as well as a river walk. Many thanks Russ!
Tony Glenn
Comments