By Tony and Lynell Norman, Stevensville
We have been advised by California developers that they have purchased 57 acres of land adjacent to Creekside Meadow, Logan Lane and the Middle Burnt Fork Road for the purpose of building a subdivision consisting of 78 single family homes, 43 multi-family units, and numerous commercial establishments. Our confusion began when we questioned town officials regarding the possible effects of this development on existing water, sewage treatment and traffic. As we are already on water restrictions and low water pressure, we are concerned that the additional demands to be made from said development will further lower our water pressure to an unacceptable level. The responses from the town, depending on who you asked, were confusing, in that we were assured that water would not be an issue by some, and that water could become a major issue by others. Confusion on our part!
We then wanted to know if 78 single family homes built on slabs, because of ground water issues, would direct more ground water north towards Creekside Meadows homes built with crawl spaces? We were assured it would not, as all the ground water flows west. I wonder if the ground water knows that? Additional confusion.
We are also concerned about the town being able to absorb the additional demands this development will make on the existing sewage treatment system, and once again, depending on who you asked, the system will be able to handle the anticipated demands, and from others, the existing system would have to be updated to handle the anticipated additional demands. More confusion!
Traffic is also a major concern as we have been advised by the developers that the majority of the traffic from the new sub-division will be directed through Creekside Meadows to access Logan Lane. This will result in a major increase in traffic through our quiet, sleepy little area. Why would they not have their own access roads to Logan Lane? Total confusion!
Finally, we wonder why anyone would want to develop a commercial area on the Middle Burnt Fork Road in competition with the downtown area of Stevensville? Final confusion!
This proposed development is going to put major new financial demands on the town regarding water, sewage, street maintenance, law enforcement, fire protection, and schools.
Are you prepared to pay for them?