My clients are disappointed in the City Council’s decision to deny their application to build the St. Maurice Place Subdivision. This development is an exciting opportunity for our City. The project would potentially result in 27 new homes in our community valued between $300,000 to $400,000. In addition to attracting people to move to our community, the development would result in significant property taxes that could be used to improve our City (like improving our drainage system).
It has been more than 10 years since our City had a residential development. This lack of expansion has hurt every sector of our local economy. My clients have always made an effort to employ local subcontractors when possible. When we are not constructing new homes, there is less work for our local electricians, plumbers, carpenters, relators, bankers, etc.
The City has acknowledged that the subdivision complied with all of the City’s Planning and Zoning Regulations. It is difficult to develop subdivisions when the Council continues to move the goal post. If the Council wants to require larger lots, it should pass new planning regulations that increase the minimum square foot requirements for residential lots and apply the same rules to everyone. It defeats the purpose of having planning and zoning regulations if the Council is just going to make the rules up as they go.
My clients will be appealing the Council’s decision to the District Court. We are confident the Council’s decision will be reversed and my clients look forward to breaking ground on this wonderful project.
Sincerely,
Jared Dunahoe
Attorney for Rhodes Properties and Development
One cannot drive down a street in Natchitoches without seeing homes for sale. Why on earth do we need more housing when the houses that are on the market are not selling. What Todd says above is spot on. And J., in a city, one’s neighbors do get to make decisions on what you do on your property because the entire tax base of the area is affected, as are traffic patterns, sewage issues, etc. We live in this area and we made it clear we want no more development here. The city council responded to our demands.
If the council voted the way the people wanted it is the first time they have since I have been living in Natchitoches. Seems they vote the way a select few residents want. The new bridge, Parc Natchitoches, and unlimited number of festivals are prime examples.
most hoa’s break their own rules.
Rhodes construction project is within the laws of the city. Therefore the council has no rights to turn them down. This council is against progress, we need to vote them all off the board.
Who in their right mind would want to spend $400,000 on a home on a small lot ( approx 85×85 feet) in an overcrowded subdivision in Natchitoches. Not sure who the developers think their marketing to.
The council voted the way the people in the surrounding neighborhoods wanted them to vote. The local citizens do not want this development as it is where it is. Convince the surrounding neighbors differently and the council will take another look and let the neighbors decide what they want in their neighborhoods.
That can’t be how the system works. My neighbor should not get to dictate what I build on my property. This is a residential area and they should be able to build residential homes. If we leave it up to the neighbors, nothing will ever be built there. I suspect most of the people in that area would love to continue to have a nice empty field in their backyard.
J that is exactly why subdivisions in the parish hav HOAs. Neighbors will decide exactly what you will or will not build there!