Grove & Main Development
To whom it may concern,
Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association was contacted by the development advisor on behalf of the owner and applicant of the 4.1 acre vacant tract located in the northeast corner of Grove Road and Main Street, Tyler Street being adjacent on the north and east sides. She reached out to us as the property “shows to be located in your Neighborhood Association.” As a neighborhood and an association, we are very thankful for the thoughtfulness in corresponding with us and asking for our input. We have sent out the documents provided to us by the development advisor and have asked for feedback from our neighbors. The responses we have received in writing, and in talking with neighbors have been in opposition of the purposed development. Because of the concerns of our neighbors whom we represent, and the concerns the board members themselves have, the Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association does not support the development as purposed for the following reasons:
36 townhomes is far too dense for this lot.
The height given for the townhomes is too tall for the surrounding area. The homes adjacent to this property are small, single story houses. This height of townhomes would tower over them.
The iron gate purposed will allow for unsightly views of the back of the townhomes and garages.
The existing residents on Tyler should not have to stare at the back of tall townhomes.
36 townhomes with room for 2 cars in each garage will lead to more traffic in an already congested intersection.
Traffic getting in and out of development will be difficult and add issues to the flow of traffic on both Grove and Main Street.
That many additional residents will add additional strain on our aging infrastructure in both water/sewer, and streets.
There is not adequate parking available in the development. Not enough parking for families with multiple drivers, or when having visitors will mean overflow parking to Tyler Street and other nearby neighborhood streets. This will create issues for those residents.
These townhomes, even if done with high end building material, may lower the value of the homes currently on Tyler because of the reasons listed above.
With a private HOA, who is responsible for the upkeep of fencing, landscaping, etc. If issues arise, how will this be handled as this development is within the bounds of HTNA?
36 townhomes does not leave enough space for the large, beautiful existing trees on this property. With the number of trees our neighborhood lost in the storm last May, we fear losing more of our neighborhood’s charm and beauty if these established trees are cut down.
Richardson’s 2009 Comprehensive Plan asks, “ Will the proposed change enhance the site and the surrounding area? Is the proposed change a better use than that recommended by the Future Land Use Plan? How does the proposed use impact nearby residential areas? Will the proposed use be compatible with and/or enhance adjacent residential uses? Are uses adjacent to the proposed use similar in nature in terms of intensity, appearance, hours of operation, and other general aspects of compatibility? Does the proposed use present a significant benefit to the public health, safety and welfare of the community and would it contribute to the City’s long-term economic sustainability and wellbeing?”
Because of the concerns listed above, and with the questions laid out in the Comprehensive Plan, we feel that this proposal is not compatible for this property. However, HTNA recognizes the City’s need for more “middle housing”. Highland Terrace Neighborhood Association would support a proposal that:
Contains fewer townhomes (by at least half of the 36 proposed) this would,
reduce the structural density of the lot
reduce the amount of traffic coming in and out of the development
reduce the amount of overflow parking
reduce the amount of trees lost
increase the amount of green space available
Produces housing other than townhomes. Duplexes, patio homes, or a bungalow court would tie in nicely with the overall neighborhood, adjacent houses on Tyler Street, and space of the lot with the existing trees.
Preserves the existing trees.
If fencing is constructed, the development would maintain landscaping along the exterior of the fencing.
Reserves area for green spaces.
Contains adequate parking as to not create overflow issues.
Highland Terrace is a community of caring and inclusive neighbors. We hope to welcome a new development to our community that fits the needs of both the residents in the development and the residents who already live surrounding the property. We thank you for your time and consideration over this property and the development of it.