Harbour Town condo expansion sparks fierce community debate

During a recent government meeting, representatives from the Harbour Town Condominium Association presented a proposal for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment aimed at constructing 28 additional condominium units. Mark Schultz, representing the association, outlined that the original development, initiated in the early 1990s, included plans for 250 units, of which 190 were built. The proposed amendment seeks to fill in the remaining units as originally outlined.

The association has partnered with Buzzcraft Homes for the development, with Kyle Haas, the company's director of construction, present at the meeting. Schultz noted that the Planning Commission had forwarded the amendment with five conditions, including the installation of sidewalks, which he described as a significant financial burden for the association. He emphasized that the original PUD included sidewalks, but this requirement was never enforced. The association is requesting that the city commission approve the amendment without the sidewalk requirement, suggesting instead a special assessment district for future sidewalk installation.

Concerns were raised by local resident Karen Kendra, who expressed her opposition to the increased density resulting from the amendment. Kendra highlighted that the original plan allowed for two buildings behind her property, while the amendment proposes three buildings with a total of 12 condos. She fears this will negatively impact her property value and raise issues related to privacy, setbacks, and parking in the area. Kendra also called for the restoration of a buffer of trees that had previously been removed.

Doug Gaynor, another resident, voiced his support for the PUD amendment but stressed the importance of the sidewalk installation. He criticized the two-year timeline proposed for the sidewalk construction, arguing that it is impractical given the seasonal limitations on asphalt availability. Gaynor suggested extending the timeline to allow for proper planning and execution of the sidewalk project.

The discussions highlighted the complexities of urban development and the balancing act between community needs and individual property rights. The city commission will need to weigh these concerns as they consider the proposed PUD amendment and its implications for the Harbour Town community.