Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors urge smaller development for National Park lots, cite drainage and traffic concerns
Summary
Several West Branch residents opposed a proposed dense housing plan for National Park lots on W Main Street, citing existing stormwater problems, frequent water-main breaks, safety concerns about 15–30 additional cars, and a desire for 5–7 larger-lot homes instead of 15 smaller units.
Residents spoke during the public comment period to oppose a concept plan for lots that the National Park Service has listed for sale on W Main Street. Linda Kessler, a Wetherell Street resident, said she was "strongly opposed" to dense housing on the site and raised stormwater drainage and safety concerns, including a projection of "15 to 30 cars" turning onto Main Street at a blind hill if the development proceeded as drawn.
Other neighbors echoed those concerns. Jayme Cilek said runoff now carries gravel and debris into her driveway and that nearby development appears to have increased flooding; Kent Stuart, representing his mother, criticized a plan that would create a dead-end street rather than a cul-de-sac and noted the lack of green space for children to play. Mayor Roger Laughlin asked for community preference and attendees signaled a consensus favoring about "5 to 7 homes with larger yards." The Council did not take formal action on the concept at the meeting.
