Although met with some concerns by those living in the area, a subdivision request to set the stage for what will be another multi-million-dollar residential development was given an approval by the Bridgeport Planning Commission Monday.

 

The approval came following a public hearing on the matter where several individuals listed concerns and did so in a cordial manner. However, even with those concerns, with the property already zoned for the single- and multi-family units, it would have taken something wrong on the planning side of things to stop it.

 

There were no issues with the design as addressed by Ascent Engineering’s Mike Nestor. Now, Cherry Grove Estates has the green light to begin.

 

The development will be near the Rosewood development. Cherry Grove Estates, LLC, will is owned by Claude Ryan and Dave Reitz of Reitz Enterprises, LLC, said Ryan, who added that the estimated total sales for the area could reach $17 million. Stella Construction will handle the building of the residential units as part of a two-phase project on 20 acres.

 

The agenda for the meeting said there will be 45 parcels as a result of the subdivision. Of that total, 30 parcels will be for single-family units and 15 parcels will be multi-family units.

 

Most of the concern stemmed from the multi-family units being planned. Dustin Vincent, who lives in the area, was concerned that the multi-family units would not see people take “ownership” of the property. However, Larry Porter who works for Stella Construction pointed out that should not be a concern.

 

“They are town homes for sale that will be owned by the person that buys them,” said Porter. “… They will be built out of the same material the homes will be built out of. It’s not going to be a low-rent district.”

 

Porter emphasized they are not going to be “for rent,” bur rather “owner occupied.” He also added that the way the property is zoned, that the developer could opt for an apartment complex, but is not going in that direction.

 

The property, at one time, had a business zoning, It was changed to a more restrictive residential zoning years ago, but that zoning allows for multi-family units, members of the Planning Commission pointed out. Community Development Director Andrea Kerr said the rezoning took place in 2008 and the property went from a Business-2 designation to a Residential-3 designation.

 

Nestor addressed concerns from Commission member Robert “Bob” Greer regarding the elevation of lots on what could be steep terrain. Nestor said as construction begins if any issues, such as clay seams that are detrimental, are discovered they will be addressed.

 

Kerr also addressed a concern from resident Susan Miley. Miley, like Vincent, was not opposed to development. She did have concerns about it impacting the value of property and also asked about street lighting at the intersection where entrance to the development will take place. While property value would be speculation, Kerr did say that the developer is required to have proper lighting at the entrance and meet any city codes. Ryan said all areas would meet required city standards.

 

More from this meeting in the days ahead on Connect-Bridgeport.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Larry Porter addressing concerns brought up by residents near the development in question, one of which is Susan Miley shown in the second photo. Bottom photo shows Community Development Director Andrea Kerr discussing a point.