It was a year ago this month when the Bridgeport Planning Commission gave preliminary plat approval for what was supposed to be the initial phase of new residential housing work as part of Crystal Ridge, Phase 2-A. And it was back at the beginning of January when final plat approval for the same development was given by the same city body.

 

While actual structures should be going up soon, it won’t be in Crystal Ridge. Confused? If so, there’s no need to be.

 

At the most recent meeting of the Bridgeport Development Authority, Community Development Director Randy Spellman told the group that the new section of what was to be the first part of a second phase of Crystal Ridge will now likely be called “Bridgeport Heights” and that a pair of spec homes will soon be built. The property owners, Unique Homes out of Morgantown (part of Morgan T Development LLC), are not the property owners of Phase I.

 

“Phase one, if you remember, Dan Ryan Builders was the property owner,” said Spellman. “This is a new owner and there will be some differences.”

 

The new development, located just off of Route 50 East past Reep Graphics, will not be bound by the HOA (Home Owner’s Association) of Crystal Ridge. Spellman said not every lot will be required to have Unique Homes build the structure.

 

“The nice thing about this is not only will they be building for people and also building spec homes, but they’re also going to have some of their lots available for people to just purchase the lot and have their own builder,” said Spellman.

 

Spellman said the new name is not yet official. He said he’s not receiving anything formal, but that’s what he’s been told and that’s what he told the Development Authority.

 

“It’s just a (verbal) request, at this point, to call it Bridgeport Heights so I’m assuming that’s what it will be called,” said Spellman.

 

The group was given approval for four lots. The first two homes are spec homes and Spellman expects construction to begin this summer.

 

“When you have the plans submitted for the (spec) homes it’s a pretty good sign that construction is about to start. What they’re wanting to do is to showcase their construction abilities and get their product into the market place and be able to entertain requests from people wanting them to build, or to get a feel for what type of spec homes they should build. When they do that, it will also open up the area for individuals who are just looking for a lot to construct a house with their own builder.”

 

The new residential development, exclusively single-family units, will feature 70 lots. Based on an average cost of $300,000 per home, Spellman said a total buildout would be in the tens of millions of dollars.

 

Editor's Note: Randy Spellman looks over the plans for the initial homes at what will likely be known as "Bridgeport Heights."