Two multi-family units get planning board approval

Following preliminary approval by the planning board, the requests go on to city council at its March 3 meeting, scheduled for 5:15 p.m. at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall.

The first request the planning board heard was from Weaver-Kirkland Housing LLC and MK Properties LLC was to rezone approximately 10 acres of land at the end of West Becker Drive Extension to accommodate a multi-family housing unit.

The development, which would be called River Towne Villas, is adjacent to the completed River Town Manor, a complex for seniors.

River Town Manor is at 100 percent occupancy with a waiting list, said Lindsay Narcisso, project developer with Weaver-Kirkland.

River Towne Villas, said Charles Heritage, vice president of the company, will be an 80-unit development with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units with a clubhouse and on-site amenities such as a playground, covered picnic area with tables and grills as well as a gazebo. The units will be priced from the middle $400 to the middle $700 range. He said those who have Section 8 vouchers may apply.

The second rezoning request approved was one from Flatiron Partners LLC for slightly more than 6 acres of land behind Drugco west of Smith Church Road for a 72-unit multi-family housing development consisting of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, according to Hollis Fitch, a principal in the partnership. The rent range would be about the same as the Weaver-Kirkland project, he said.

River Towne Villas, if approved by council, would begin construction by the end of the year, Heritage said, while the Flatiron project would begin construction in the spring of 2016.

Planning board Chairman Gregory Browning said there was a need for such housing in the city. “We welcome new housing in the area. Diverse housing helps our area to grow.”

Planning board member Connie Hill echoed Browning's sentiments. “There was nothing like this when we came here in 1980. There was nothing to be had.”