Home Notice Box Top Stories Residents oppose housing plan in Beavercreek

Residents oppose housing plan in Beavercreek

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BEAVERCREEK — Residents packed the city’s council chambers at a recent Beavercreek Planning Commission meeting to voice opposition to a planned housing development.

The Cottages of Beavercreek development would see the addition of 94 “empty nester type” homes to a 20-acre strip off County Line Road, according to Charlie Simms, owner of Charles Simms Development. Simms estimated the average price of the homes would be around $200,000.

Previously the undeveloped land was part of the Miracle Woods Stable.

Commissioners voted to table a rezoning vote that would allow for the homes, after about an hour of public input – largely in opposition to the development – during a May 4 hearing on the subject.

“What I’m concerned about is the geometry of the site we have here,” commission member Troy Erbes said. “… I just feel we’re really stacking on top of stacking here.”

Those living in homes near the proposed development spoke in opposition during the hearing, citing concerns about safety, property values and aesthetics.

“As a rural agricultural community, one of the reasons many of us live where we live is because we wanted to not be in the middle of the urban areas,” said Elana Marin, a resident of the nearby Cinnamon Ridge development. “Otherwise we would be in downtown Dayton.”

“When I originally built this house six years ago, I built it because of the seclusion,” Kevin Washington, another resident of a nearby home, said. “My seclusion has now been eroded. The values of our [houses] are being threatened.”

Others spoke about concerns regarding the busy intersection of Straight Arrow and County Line roads.

“My primary concern is with safety, based on my understanding of the proposed traffic plan, which basically would funnel another 150 to potentially 200 cars through an already congested area …,” said Marsha Rouse, another nearby resident.

In response, Simms told members of the crowd he would welcome a meeting to work out “some compromises on all these issues,” but said, “You had the opportunity to have your home built and live in a new home with the current amenities and other people deserve that right in America too. It’s all part of the process.”

The proposed development would add 94 housing units in an area along County Line Road.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2016/05/web1_cottages.jpgThe proposed development would add 94 housing units in an area along County Line Road.

The proposed development would add 94 housing units in an area along County Line Road.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2016/05/web1_cottages2.jpgThe proposed development would add 94 housing units in an area along County Line Road.

By Nathan Pilling

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Reach Nathan Pilling at 937-502-4498 or on Twitter @XDGNatePilling.