HE-64 Shawn Johnson - Laserfiche WebLink

TO: Hearings Official RE: Opposition to OMC Size My name is Shawn Johnson and I have owned my home on Oakleigh Lane for almost 10 years. I would like to voice my concern and opposition to the Oakleigh Meadow Co-Housing development as currently proposed. The initial discussions regarding the development of Oakleigh Meadow 3 years ago started very positive as the planners did involve the local neighborhood and shared their vision of a small, communal type of living development. When the land was purchased there were several work parties to clean up the land, some of which I attended. We pulled blackberries, rusted equipment, and a variety of nasty trash out of the site resulting in the meadow as it stands today. There was an initial kick off meeting/potluck for the neighbors where information was shared and a question board was posted. Email addresses were also collected to encourage communication. I shared my concerns regarding street development, traffic and providing utilities to the site. My primary concern at that time was regarding how the construction traffic would be accommodated during the construction phase as that would be the peak volume for the 7-10 unit development as presented. Fast forward two years and to my surprise we are nearing the land use change request hearing. The initial plan of a small cohousing development seems to have been abandoned in favor of a large condo complex. In reviewing the developer’s website it appears there have been several iterations of the plan none of which have been directly communicated to me. I frequent the meadow often when walking my dog to the bike path and aside from the welcome sign, there was no additional information regarding the phase, scope or design of the development until just recently. It saddens me that the project has evolved from a small unique housing development to a full-scale condominium complex which seems to be completely against the philosophy initially presented by the developers. I understand that you must involve yourself to be informed in matters such as this but previously the developers were walking door to door and communicating their plan. Once concern was expressed the communication directly with the neighbors stopped. At this point I have several concerns with the plan as presented in design A1.1: Street traffic More than doubling the number of homes (current proposal is 29) will result in an extremely significant increase in traffic volume. Oakleigh Lane – River Road intersection congestion As it stands today, during peak traffic hours there are occasional lines to get from Oakleigh Lane onto River Road as well as from River Road onto Oakleigh Lane or into the Burrito Boy/River Road Second Hand parking lot. These lines can extend up to three cars or more in my experience resulting in significant hazards to car, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.