The demand for housing lots in Bridgeport got a significant boost Monday when the Bridgeport Planning Commission approved and reviewed the preliminary plat for Phase 2 of the Crystal Ridge residential development just off U.S. Route 50.

 

“The second phase will actually be broken down into three phases to put in 65 new lots across and around the Garnet Way area and will expand across and include some properties on the ridge as well,” said Bridgeport Mayor Robert “Bob” Greer, who also sits on the Planning Commission.

 

According to Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman, who represents the city administration on the Commission, he said the typical lot size is not quite half an acre. He said Monday’s meeting last roughly 20 minutes and was uneventful.

 

“It was fairly standard from a meeting standpoint. From a public standpoint, we’ve received no phone calls, on inquiries and no opposition,” said Spellman. “There was no public hearing with this meeting since it was just for preliminary plat approval.”

 

The preliminary plat approval means that Spellman as well as the office of Bridgeport City Engineer Tom Brown has reviewed the layout and everything falls in line with the city’s subdivision regulations. The developer – in this case Morgan T Development LLC (acting as representatives to Energy Plaza Partners, LLC) – can no begin work on the engineering in the form of utilities and the installation of streets

 

“We were told by Thomas Adams (P.E. of the Thrasher Group on behalf of the development) that the developer would like to begin work immediately,” said Spellman. “Once they get the work done and it’s bonded, it’s at that time that we’ll have a review of the final plat that includes the public hearing. If approved at that time, then the selling of lots can begin.”

 

Spellman said there was no timeline given as to when the developer hopes to have the infrastructure work completed. He also said there was no timeline as to when they would hope to see construction on the first new home being. As for requirements in the covenants of the new homes, Spellman said they have spelled out that the homes need to have dusk to dawn lights in all front yards.

 

Greer said with the on-going demand for differing locations for homes in Bridgeport, this is good news for  those looking to move to Bridgeport or those within the city looking for a new place to build.

 

“Building lots inside the city limits of Bridgeport are limited to nearly non-existent,” said Greer. “The developers, although they have a construction company of their own, they have indicated that they will be selling those lots to people for stick-built construction for contractors of their own choice. They will have a choice.”

 

Energy Plaza Partners currently owns the property. Morgan T Development will become the official developer of the new phase once the property purchase is finalized with Energy Plaza.

 

Spellman said with conservative values placed on the new homes that a complete building out of the lots would have a huge financial impact. He said it would be in the millions of dollars.