Neighbors express access concerns about subdivision

By BRENT SHRUM Western News Reporter

Neighbors to a proposed 61-lot subdivision bordered by Hamann Avenue and Second Street Extension voiced a number of concerns primarily focused on traffic flow during a hearing Monday evening at the county annex.

Developer Jim Beasley is proposing the 19-acre subdivision, called Creek View Estates. He said his plan is for the development to be affordable for local residents.

The planned development is currently located outside city limits but is proposed for annexation into the city. The city also plans to make Hamann Avenue and Horseshoe Drive — which would provide access to the subdivision — city streets, said county planner Ken Peterson, who directed Monday's hearing.

"That's in the preliminary stages so I can't say too much about that," Peterson said.

Area resident Richard Trumbo expressed concerns about the effects of increased traffic on those streets.

"People seem to think that's a drag strip through there," he said.

At busy times, it's hard to get onto the highway from Hamann Avenue, Trumbo said. He said impatient drivers may cause accidents at the intersection.

"There should be a light there if this goes through," he said.

Cecil Bache suggested construction of a new road to provide access to the development.

"With that much subdivision, there's no way they should go on Second Street or Hamann Avenue or any of them," he said.

Al Pennock questioned the safety of the cul-de-sacs that would provide access to lots on the subdivision from Hamann Avenue and Horseshoe Drive. In the event of a fire, residents at the end could be trapped, he said.

"I strongly oppose the idea of something like that without a back door," he said.

Eric Tilton echoed safety concerns and questioned the need for the development at all. With the area's depressed economy, there's a lot of vacant real estate on the market already, he said.

"We just have an over-abundance of places that are available as it is now," he said. "How is this going to help?"

Trumbo asked Beasley if he has any plans for how quickly houses would be built on the development. Beasley said he plans to build one "spec house" at a time, not building another until each is sold. Lots would also be available for sale to people who want to build their own homes. He said he wants to keep the lots affordable.

"My intention is not to sell a whole bunch of lots to Joe Blow who wants to sit on them and drive the price up," he said.

The subdivision will be developed in five blocks, Beasley said. New blocks won't be available to buyers until the lots on the previous block have been sold.

Judy Stuckey asked about possible parking problems along the cul-de-sacs, particularly if residents have guests.

Beasley said the subdivision covenants will require each house to have a two-car attached garage along with paved parking for two vehicles. Covenants will also require the planting of trees and shrubbery, he said.

Peterson said he has 10 days after the hearing to submit a recommendation to the city, which will then have about a month to review the proposal before making a decision.