Eighteen months ago, a development proposed for property along Stringers Ridge on the south end of Red Bank located behind Ashmore Avenue, drew overflow crowds of city residents to public hearings in protest. At the commission meeting Tuesday night, the same residents, represented by spokesperson Becky Browder, praised a new, different plan as well as cooperation from Jay Bell, the developer.
The first plan for the property was an apartment complex which no residents were in favor of.
The proposal has now changed to a planned unit development of 68 craftsman cottages. Ms. Browder told the commissioners that the neighborhood association had met with Mr. Bell numerous times and that he had addressed all of their concerns. The neighbors now feel that the new development of single-family homes will add to their property values. The land will be accessed by a road from 1924 Ashmore Ave.
Mr. Bell presented a layout of the 68 houses that are planned. The homes will all be two stories, not over 35 feet high. The lots measure roughly 45 feet wide by 150 feet deep. All homes will be approximately 35 feet wide. Four acres of land behind the development will be donated to the land trust and will be used to expand the Stringers Ridge trail. The designs and layout of the PUD are available to be viewed at the Bell Development offices.
Ms. Browder said the remaining concern of residents is about traffic on Ashmore Avenue, including an increase in vehicles, speeding and additional construction traffic. Mayor John Roberts said that the problems caused by traffic will be temporary and over, once construction is completed. Mr. Bell said he expects to put in roads during the first nine months of construction at the site while also working on moving dirt. Once that work is finished, he expects building to be finished after three more years.
A vote was unanimous to authorize the issuance of a special exceptions permit, as required by the zoning ordinance for the Midvale Highlands planned unit development.
On second and final reading, the commissioners voted to accept the 2015 Homeland Security grant for $4,000. This money will be used to purchase a two-way communication radio by the fire personnel.
The first draft of the 2016-2017 operating budget was presented to the board of commissioners Tuesday night. This begins the budget process which will include work sessions and a public hearing on the budget, all of which will take place in the next two months. It must be approved by June 30, 2016. City Manager Randall Smith said “we believe in living within our means,” and that no property tax increase is planned. Mayor Roberts said the city is in good financial state and the commissioners have been very frugal. As an example, the public works department is performing the work to repair the community swimming pool in order to save money. Savings that are realized are being put back into the infrastructure of the city such as paving the secondary roads.
The Red Bank Jubilee and New Moon Pie Festival will take place Saturday. There will also be a parade associated with the event. The city is still accepting applications to participate in the parade until Thursday. There is no fee to register. Other events taking place surrounding the Jubilee will be an archery competition, a car show, the kid's corner and food vendors.