BY DONNA SWICEGOOD
The Statesville City Council on Monday greenlighted a request to increase the density of a proposed income-based apartment complex geared toward seniors.
The 50-unit complex is planned for vacant property on East Sharpe Street.
The hearing at Monday night’s council meeting was to consider a request by the developer to increase the allowed density from four units per acre up to 16 units per acre.
Nicholas Pack and Clay Cooper, representing developer Woda Cooper Companies, said the units are aimed at the 55 and older population and and designed to fit into the existing neighborhood.
Assistant Planning Director Herman Caulder said the development complies with the current zoning for the neighborhood, which does include multi-family properties.
Caulder explained that the issue for council to consider was the developers’ request for a special-use permit to increase the density.
The development, called Kinglett Crossing, will be a three/four story split, Pack said. Due to the slope of the property, it will appear to a three-story building from the front, he added.
John Staford, an adjacent property owner, said most of the neighborhood was single-family homes with one multi-family home. He was opposed to allowing four-story buildings.
“I am very much in favor of the development,” he said. “A three-and-four-story structure, and that type of design, is not in harmony with the existing structures of that neighborhood.”
Council approved the special-use permit request unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business:
♦ The council also approved a request to demolish an abandoned structure on South Center Street. The structure will be replaced by an iron gate. Lesley Marion, code enforcement officer, said attempts have been made to contact the property owners but there has been no response. She said the wall between 509 and 517 S. Center Street poses a safety hazard. Council members approved the first reading of the request.
♦ Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to annex the Barkley Springs Phase 2 development on Barkley Road.
♦ As part of the consent agenda, which is approved in one vote unless a council member asked that it be pulled for further discussion, council granted the Statesville Fire Department’s request to sign a contract to purchase a new fire engine and approved a five-year hangar lease for Jay Brown.
♦ City Manager Ron Smith praised members of the fire department for their assistance in Polk County fighting the wildfires in the area.
♦ Smith also updated council on the ongoing repairs to the sinkhole that has closed the intersection of Tradd and Front streets for several weeks. Smith said the hope is that the project will be bid in the next week, and that it will take approximately 60 days to repair once the bid is accepted.
♦ Mayor Costi Kutteh also presented proclamations recognizing Lineworker Appreciation Day, Arbor Day, National Volunteer Week, National Infertility Week and Two Lights for Tomorrow Day in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.