4. OPEN FORUM ADD ON 06-28-2022- 4.
I'm confident that I have irrefutable proof that the proposed high density housing located all
around my home would be against current zoning code, has not been done anywhere I can find
near me, and would have a large negative impact to both my property value and quality of life.
I'm asking that the city council only allow single family homes on lots adjacent to our property.
This is consistent with current zoning code.
The following breakdown summarizes this issue;
1. Background - I looked at all the important factors that I could think of when I chose our
current location. Zoning, property taxes, soil for gardening, insect pests, proximity to
medical, shopping, the metro, and our adult children and grandchildren. Zoning was and
still is RID, single family homes up to 4 per acre. I spent much of my adult life taking
night classes, meeting builders and owners of energy efficient homes to become a
student of building science. It took my son and I two and a half years to build this home
that is now three years old. It doesn't rely on any fossil fuels. I was aware that the land
around me would be developed sometime and felt it would be a sound investment.
There was no way that I could foresee a development like this would ever be
considered.
2. Zoning? - This plan goes against the very core of zoning. Zoning should protect property
values. Although there are more extreme examples, this plan would have the same
negative impact on me.
3. Similar examples — I have diligently looked for any similar situations to this proposed
high density housing with close proximity to single family homes. I searched
development in all directions from our location. I have found none. Lennar does not
have any in the current plan on their land, only mine. This sets a clear precedent. There
is an obvious reason this is not done.
4. Why this is not done. — Builders are professionals looking to maximize profits. They know
that a lot that abuts high density buildings is a less desirable lot. They keep them
separated by berms, ponds, trees, or having them in groups separated from single family
homes in their developments. No builders configure their land in the way that is being
proposed around our home. This is proof that my investment would be negatively
impacted if the current plan were allowed.
In conclusion, although it is certainly true that a builder has every right to develop his property,
they do not have the right to do so it at their neighbor's expense. I did my due diligence
planning this project. I have invested a huge amount of both money and time. If this issue is not
illegal, it should be and there is no denying it goes against what is fair and equitable.
Jim Sweazey