An agreement involving Scottish and Scouting groups with a developer smooths the way for eight $250,000 homes on Louden Avenue.
By MEGAN SCOTT
Published April 16, 2004
DUNEDIN - Commissioners have approved an agreement between the developer of Highland Community and two nonprofit groups to allow the construction of eight townhomes on Louden Avenue.
Thursday's agreement comes after a year of discussion about the impact the townhomes would have on the Scottish American Society and Boy Scout Troop 10, which are located on that street.
"The development is going to move forward, whether we want it or not," said Don Durr, the adult committee chairman of the Boy Scouts. "We went ahead and signed it."
Under the agreement, Highland Community will build a 4-foot fence with a gate along the western edge of the Boy Scouts' property. Louden Avenue will be widened to 20 feet and paved with asphalt and decorative brick.
The city would allow Boy Scouts and Scottish American Society members to park at the site of the future Municipal Services Center. The city has acquired property to build a city government complex to the east and north of the society's and Boy Scouts' sites.
"We think it's a win-win," said economic development director Bob Ironsmith. "The developer has the right to develop his property. It's a good fit for downtown."
Both the Scottish American Society and the Boy Scouts were concerned about safety. Louden Avenue is only about 15 feet wide. Townhomes on such a small street were likely to increase the traffic, Durr said.
Senior citizens and boys came to several commission meetings to speak on the issue.
Even the wife of County Administrator Steve Spratt appeared at a March 4 meeting dressed in a Boy Scout uniform. The couple have three boys who are involved in the Scouts.
"It's a roadway that doesn't need to be developed," Laura Spratt said. "It doesn't need to have traffic for townhomes coming and going."
Commissioners approved the agreement 4-1, with Commissioner Bob Hackworth voting no. Hackworth was concerned about an increase in traffic. He also said that the townhomes could generate more than 50 car trips per day on the street.
"What I hear from all the residents, all the tenants, is that the existing situation is not working," Hackworth said. "They understand they can't do anything about the existing situation. They are concerned about the additional impact of those eight new townhouses."
Other commissioners were more confident that an increase in traffic may be worth the development of the $250,000 townhomes, which will bring more people to the downtown area. "I think this is what we've been looking for," said Commissioner Dave Eggers. "We're going in the right direction, more homes downtown, a place to live, work and play."
