Local News

Turmoil over potential development in Greencastle

The Aspire Building Group, based out of Coatesville, purchased the vacant land between Albin Pond Road and Fawn View Lane with the intent of developing the area into multiple residential homes. However, the development of these homes does not fit the zoning laws for the area and the Aspire Building Group applied for a variance and prepared to present the case to the Greencastle Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday, November 2.

 

Multiple residents near the vacant land attended the meeting, many with questions and some with concerns. However, they were less than pleased when they learned Aspire had pulled their petition for the variance at the last minute and would not be addressing the board at all. Upon suggestion from Greencastle City Attorney, Laurie Hardwick, the board adjourned their meeting and left the building. However, it would be another hour before Aspire and the concerned residents would leave.

 

Aspire used this time to explain why they pulled their petition and to address concerns. The first of several reasons was due to terminology. Condominium is a term commonly used to describe the types of homes going into the vacant lot, homes that are owned by a resident, but largely maintained by a landlord. However, Indiana Code uses a legal definition of condominium. The basic breakdown of the legal use of the term is that a resident in a condominium owns everything from the drywall and in; owning nothing on the outside. The Aspire Building Group variance petition used the condominium term, when in fact the homes are actually single patio and paired patio homes, managed by an HOA.

 

The difference between the two brought about confusion and more concerns. While the potential residents of the development would own the outside of their homes as well as the inside, they still would not have the freedom to maintain the outside anyway they please. The outside would need to conform to the rules of the HOA. The HOA would also perform the outside maintenance in the same fashion as a condominium landlord would, despite the homes being legally viewed as 100% owned by the potential resident.

 

This raised concern on the management of the HOA. Residents were concerned about the HOA not enforcing rules or handling disputes. Aspire explained they would manage the HOA for a time, finding what works and establishing the rules. The HOA would then be passed to a professional group, specializing in HOA management, ensuring that HOA rules are followed and enforced and disputes are handled fairly.

 

Another concern raised was about a proposed connecting road by a resident who lives on Fawn View, close to where the new connecting road would start. The concern is that the new road would be treated by drivers as a racing strip, speeding through and endangering residents. The resident who spoke up stated he would be backing up into a blind corner and concerned about his and his wife’s safety. This safety concern was directly answered. It was stated these concerns exist on other existing roads in Greencastle and are addressed in a variety of ways and the new road would be no different.

 

One of the many concerns brought forth is that so many small homes being condensed into a small area near larger homes would be viewed as less valuable; thus dropping property values of the surrounding, existing properties. The homes would start at $165 per square foot, averaging each home at a starting price of $200,000.

 

According to one resident, with today’s current pricing, the $165 per square foot estimation is not a lot of money. The fear is it would lead to ‘stripped” homes, or homes with less than quality materials. According to Aspire, they have a standard they uphold. They are craftsmen who take pride in their works. Brick is not used in the building of their homes. They also ensured there would be tile in all wet areas like the bathrooms and kitchens; they use a high quality, vinyl click-tile for other floors. All cabinets are wood cabinets with soft close features to avoid damage. The exterior is done with something called smart trim and they make sure all corners and windows are properly trimmed. When they do use vinyl siding, they use a high quality that is no less than .046. Aspire stated they do not do “builder” grade. Builder grade starts a home at a base level and the future homeowner will remodel at their convenience. The Aspire Building Group starts their homes with the features a potential homeowner would upgrade to with a remodel. They also stated that even multimillion dollar homes do not start with windows trimmed, but Aspire’s are trimmed and is part of the base home. Aspire stated they do not build to code, but above and beyond. They want their homes to be safe and ready, to be a place even they would trust for their parents to live.

 

Aspire also stated they plan on putting in a walking trail in the back and possibly a gazebo. The walking trail would lead to a community center/sales office. The building would include in the office space for sales and management, but also a space for those living in the patio homes that includes a kitchen.

 

Toddson Street residents voiced concerns over drainage and flooding. Their yards already flood and they struggle with the effect it has on their septic systems. This, however, is an issue already being addressed by the City of Greencastle. Mayor Dory stated the city has received grant money to provide those residents with access to the city sewage system. An engineer is currently drafting the project plans and when the drafts are complete, those residents will receive notice.

 

The Aspire Building Group stated they want to develop in three phases to lessen the burden on the homes that might be impacted. They also stated the map of the proposed development is simply conceptual at this time. Residents will be notified when a new petition is put forth by the Aspire Building Group and this time the letters of intent will better explain the plans for the development.

 

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