OMB gives Mapleview Homes developer green light

Posted Feb 9, 2012 By Jill Hudson

EMC News - It's been a rocky road for Mapleview Homes development in Prescott but they have been given the green light to continue construction.

The attendance at the tribunal was largely representative of supporters of the development. The citizen activist group which was vocal up until this hearing, the Concerned Prescottonians, was also in attendance. Dianne Binnette represented the concerns of the 15 residents who reside near the development zone.

Prescott Mayor Brett Todd is pleased that the development can get back on track.

"I am very happy that OMB representative Colin Hefferon, who chaired the hearing, backed up the position of the town and stood by the decision made by our committee of adjustment last summer. Although it was a lengthy hearing that unexpectedly ran until after 5 p.m., the whole day was made quite satisfying when Mr. Hefferon gave a verbal judgment at the conclusion of the presented testimony. I think the entire gallery appreciated this, as it eliminated the need to wait for a written decision," said the mayor.

Todd is eagerly looking forward to seeing the construction start up again.

"The ruling is great news for Prescott. While it is disappointing that we lost five months here, which did negatively hit a lot of local people through lost work and wages, I am positive that Mapleview Homes will get its momentum rolling again right away and that we will see construction starting up again on Mackenzie Road in the very near future."

The Concerned Prescottonians opposed the project last summer because of the minor variance adjustment the developer had requested - to reduce the side yard's distance between homes. The EMC was unable to reach Binnette for comment after the OMB hearing prior to press deadline.

In lieu of her feedback, this is the written statement that she made which necessitated the hearing: "The minor variance however, is not minor when it reduces in half a side yard setback for single detached & semi-detached homes and applies to 68.4% of a development. The impact of the Committee's decision means there could be only 7.8 feet (3.9 + 3.9 feet) instead of 11.8 feet (3.9 + 7.9 feet) between proposed homes. Although there are homes currently with only 7.8 feet in between them, CPG does not recommend it is repeated for future development."

In addition to her concern of a smaller distance between homes, she was also concerned that trees would need to be removed to proceed with the development.

"MacKenzie Rd. development is only the first of three phases in which 60 homes plan to be constructed. Mature trees which add to the aesthetic beauty of the area have already been cut with no plans for replacement," was written in her earlier statement.

Vandalism reported

When the EMC called Mapleview Homes developer Ron Noseworthy for his feedback about the OMB hearing, he said he was filing a police report because vandalism had been done at his work site.

"Following the OMB hearing, or just prior to the hearing, there was vandalism that happened on the truss package on-site," said Noseworthy. "Somebody took a cordless chainsaw and cut some of the main girder trusses and walked away. We had the police come out and they're doing an investigation right now. They've taken pictures and they've gone to see some of the people who have launched the appeal. They are talking to them to see if they know anything about what has just happened."

He said that means they need engineering reports because of the damage.

"So now we need to have engineering reports on the trusses that are cut and replacement value - and there's another time frame now that it affects, probably somewhere between two to six weeks."

The developer said the time lost puts a financial strain on him.

"I mortgaged my house - so this puts everything in a very tight situation. I didn't need another $5,000 extra for engineering reports."

He added that whoever did the vandalism has moral issues that they need to look at.

Linda Fleming, the project manager, said that 21 trusses were cut and that the engineers confirmed that a dozen of the trusses will need to be replaced. The other ones can be fixed.

She said she is glad that the vandalism was found before trying to install them because somebody could have been seriously hurt or killed. She explained that the trusses are a structural issue and they are very heavy.

"It is pretty sad that somebody has to do that," she said, adding that the damage is estimated to exceed $5,000. She said the five month wait means the floor has to be totally replaced - which they are doing right now.

Moving ahead

Despite the vandalism Noseworthy wants to focus on the work ahead and not on the damage.

"I want to invest my energy into building homes - not on worrying what people have done."

Noseworthy said that he is relieved that the OMB hearing is now done and he can get going with the construction work.

"I am very relieved that it's all behind us now and its time to go forward. We have a lot of people that are looking to get back to work. We have six men on-site working feverishly - trying to move forward with the project."

He explained that while the floor system and walls of the house are being built that gives him time to have the trusses re-manufactured.

"We'll have the new trusses on-site hopefully within two to three weeks. We are surrounded by some very good trades people here in Prescott."

He said they are all eager to work.

"They are proving that today working feverishly as if nothing has happened. That's what it's all about - that to me is community spirit."

The contractor spoke of the economic benefit of the development - not only for the construction workers but owners of local businesses - such as places that sell tools, food and gas.

In response to the comment about the smaller lot size, Noseworthy said the demographic he is servicing with the homes want smaller yards and less maintenance

"The demographic or market we are looking at are 55+ - they are looking at a nice simpler lifestyle."

Fleming loved the support that she got from the Prescott community at the OMB hearing. "The support that we got from the town, trades and businesses was phenomenal. Our hearts were ready to explode."