In a recent government meeting, the approval of a revised landscaping plan and a proposed development project were key topics of discussion. The meeting commenced with a motion to approve a landscaping plan that includes the installation of 12 trees and a 6-foot fence along a property line. The motion received unanimous support from the commissioners present.
The agenda then shifted to a proposal by applicant Aaron Frank, seeking to build two duplexes on a 1.12-acre lot located on the southeast side of Burton Drive. The zoning for the area is classified as low-density residential, and the staff recommendation was to approve the request, citing consistency with the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, subject to three noted conditions.
However, the proposal faced opposition from local residents. David Harbin, the project engineer, presented the case for the duplexes, emphasizing the mixed character of the neighborhood and the proposed design's aesthetic appeal. He assured the commissioners that the duplexes would be set back from the road, minimizing visibility.
Opposition was voiced by Robert McClure, a resident of Burton Drive, who raised concerns about safety, particularly regarding the presence of children in the area. He highlighted the narrowness of the road, which averages between 12 to 14.5 feet wide, and expressed fears that increased traffic from the duplexes could pose risks to students, especially with multiple school bus stops nearby. McClure also mentioned existing drainage issues and the potential for further water runoff affecting neighboring properties. He noted that the neighborhood consists solely of single-family homes, with residents having lived there for an average of 16 years, and expressed apprehension about the impact of introducing rental properties into the community.
The meeting concluded with the commissioners considering the concerns raised by residents while weighing the staff's recommendations for the duplex development.