Neighbors Express Concerns Over Multi-Family Housing Proposal

By CHRISTIE NORTHRUP

The Progress

Mesquite residents packed the meeting room of the Mesquite Bluffs Apartments office on the morning of Thursday, July 8 to learn about a re-zoning proposal for the land south of Pioneer Boulevard and east of the 550 West Plaza from MF-2 (low density of 10 multi-family units per acre) to MF-4 (high density of 25 multi-family units per acre).

Hosting the required neighborhood meeting for rezoning were representatives from California-based Market 8 Trust, owner of Mesquite Bluffs, with plans to build a 352-unit, multi-family apartment complex on the 14.6-acre parcel.

A total of 271 residents living within 750 feet of the property received letters regarding this proposed zoning change. They and others showed up in force.

Copies of maps and floor plans were available as attendees arrived. The meeting began with Nicholas Timinskas of Mezona Engineering giving an overview of the project. He stated that the city is, “One-hundred-percent behind this project.”

George Timinskas, principal engineer with Mezona, then gave more details. He explained that the project would include 28 new buildings with a density of 25 units per acre.

The property will have two access points: one off of Turtleback Road and the other off of Pioneer Boulevard where traffic will only be able to turn to the right, George Timinskas said. He also cited a traffic study that was submitted to the city which indicated this project will have “no effect on traffic.”

That study will be available to the public on the city website after Wednesday, July 14.

Attendees, especially those who live very near Pioneer Boulevard, asked about when the study had been done. Many insisted that traffic studies need to be done when Mesquite population swells in the fall and winter months.

Chad Klein of 3D Klein Design announced that the buildings will all be two stories at a height of 26 feet, covered in stucco. In comparison, the height of the commercial buildings next to the proposed development are 30 feet.

Discussion and questions followed the presentations. One of the biggest concerns of the residents in attendance was the accuracy about the traffic study. Many stated that they found it hard to believe that this development would have no impact on traffic.

The complex will include 652 parking spaces, according to the presentations. One resident commented that the number of vehicles going in and out on a daily basis must have an impact on the traffic, from congestion to accidents to parking on public streets – similar to the conditions at Mesquite Bluffs on Grapevine.

The Highland Fairways neighborhood, located right across from the proposed development, was well represented as were those from Sedona, on the opposite side of the site. Many parishioners and leaders from the two churches adjacent to the site were also in attendance.

One lady voiced concern about the limited facilities at the proposed complex for resident children with only a small playground and one pool being planed. She asked why the developers did not choose property closer to schools, shopping, and employment for residents.

Sherrie Wright, district property manager for the developer, stated that all the property they looked at “belongs to Hafen and they will only lease, not sell property.”

A homeowner residing in La Scala questioned why the developers don’t stay in line with the current zoning of MF-2 and build accordingly. Wright responded that the rising costs of building materials would make lower density housing at the site financially impractical.

Concern were voiced about the city’s only state-licensed child care facility being located next to this proposed complex. The developers responded that there will be a twenty-foot landscape easement between the two.

Others expressed concerns about the availability of water, utilities, police and fire protection resources. Representatives of the developer stated that all of these departments at the City have approved the proposal.

Then the question that many in town have wondered about surfaced: Will this complex qualify as affordable housing for low income families? Wright explained the qualifications for that type of housing will not be in line with this project. The River View Bluffs will be considered “conventional” housing, she said.

Toward the end of the meeting, one participant stood and asked the more than fifty others in attendance, “Is there anyone here who approves of this zoning change?” The answer among those in attendance was an overwhelming no!

Even so, Wright disclosed after the meeting that she had received a number of phone calls from persons, not able to attend the meeting, who favored the zoning change.

Many in attendance acknowledged the need for more housing in Mesquite. They added that their opposition was to multi-family development for which the parcel is currently zoned. Rather they felt that the high density in changing the zoning to M-4 could bring health, safety, and life problems. They were particularly concerned about a marked increase in traffic, accidents, and possibly crime, to the area.

Attendees at the meeting continued to urge the developers to look at other parcels of land for a development of this size and scope.

The issue is on the tentative agenda before the Mesquite City Council on Tuesday, July 27 at 5:00 pm.