In a less heated debate this time, a revised plan for the construction of townhomes at 6 Locust Ave. was brought again to the Planning Commission during last night’s meeting.
Designs for the townhomes were changed this time. The project calls for the townhomes to be built as an expansion on the former State Police Barracks, bringing 8 total units to the property. The building would be an “L” shape with open space parking and a carport fitting 20 total parking spaces.
The building was also shifted away from the neighboring residential property and lined near the Holiday Inn Express property to the south. The developer also noted with this, the project would move forward with compliance of the current building, particularly with a sprinkler system.
It was then brought up by the Planning Commission that the owner of the property was informed in the previous meeting that they had bring the current building into compliance before construction of a new building. The developer noted that with this now being an expansion instead of a separate building, installing a sprinkler system would be easier with one water connection.
Still though, neighboring residents brought up concerns about the project including, privacy, traffic, garbage, and the townhomes not matching the neighborhood aesthetic.
The project had already gone through county planning, which it received approval, but with conditions. One of which was the property would be required to have a private trash hauler and designated trash area that would be enclosed. Other conditions included removal of the paved drive-thru occupying the front yard, to consider a future sidewalk, and meet all applicable design requirements of the cities Zoning Code.
Property owner, Dr. Mervat Eid spoke on her mission to bring high-end apartments to the area which needs them. She continued on that traffic at the surrounding hotels was significantly higher than what the apartment complex would bring. In total, 8 units would be located at 6 Locust Ave.
Two conditions were decided by the Planning Commission on top of what the county recommended must be done for the project. One is to relocate the carport to the rear of the property instead of being located adjacent to the neighboring residential property, and the other, the construction of a 8 foot high privacy fence. Both the conditions the owner agreed to.
Voting on the site plan was approved by the commission unanimously with the contingencies of the county recommendations, carport relocation, and the privacy fence.
