Many concerned citizens gathered at Pleasant View City Hall on Thursday, June 25, to express their opposition regarding a proposed apartment complex, The Ponds at Pleasant View.
While some agreed that an apartment complex may not be a bad idea in general, they were quick to call the proposed location “not in the interest of the people,” “not a win for the town,” and a “terrible move.”
If approved, the development would land itself on 8.25 acres owned by Felix Tejeda located on Hicks Edgen Road near The Village and The Enclave subdivisions.
To start the town-hall style meeting, Michael Black spoke on behalf of developer Dennis Devine. Black stated that the intent is to build a “top-notch” complex that will be “well managed.”
Black also stated that a recent traffic study determined that a turning lane on Hicks Edgen Road would not be necessary to support the development, and that the school district was contacted to make sure they could handle the influx of students such a development would bring.
“It is my understanding that everything is good on that front,” he said.
“We want everyone to be proud of the development; we want it to be beneficial to the town and provide property options that aren’t already here,” Black added.
Tejeda’s son, Frank, also took to the podium. He spoke of his family’s rich local history, and his parent’s plans to “move on” from the area. The sale of the land would help them put their six grandchildren through college.
Before residents spoke, the developer himself addressed the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
“I am going to do it right and I am going to be proud of it,” said Devine, who has a lengthy resume that includes working with Disney, CBS, and the City of Pasadena.
Pleasant View residents and business owners then addressed the board with a lengthy list of concerns.
Items discussed were: safety, infrastructure, traffic, crime, drainage and trash accumulation on Hicks Edgen Road, the extra burden on emergency services, school overcrowding, decreased property value, and the loss of the “small-town feel.”
Multiple residents also requested that the traffic study be made public, and that the current growth plan for the town be revisited and made public.
Two residents spoke in favor of the development.
The 74-unit “upscale” complex, if approved, will boast two large private swimming pools and a 5,000 square foot amenity center. Units will range in size from one to three bedrooms.
The needed rezoning approval from R-2 residential to RPUD will have to be approved at two separate readings. This, as well as the first vote, will be on next month’s agenda for the town’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting which is scheduled for July 14.
