Proposed subdivision headed to county supervisors

RIVERSIDE — A newly proposed subdivision south of Riverside in Washington County is up to county standards according to government officials, but residents nearby have some concerns after a meeting with the county’s Land Use and Development Commission Tuesday night.

While the group approved the plan’s move to supervisor consideration, Washington County Subdivision Coordinator Tammy Stewart said it did so with some reservations.

“The subdivision does meet all of our ordinance requirements, but there were a lot of public concerns regarding road and drainage that we’re going to leave up to the Board of Supervisors,” she said. “They’re wanting the opinion of the supervisors regarding potential road and potential water issues.”

The condition of 135th Street is among those worries. The gravel would have extra traffic to contend with if the development goes through. The other is potential water runoff issues, though Stewart said data on that point was lacking.

“It’s just concerns from surrounding residents that with new construction, it could create issues with water not having as many places to go,” she said. “Whether that’s validated or not, if that’s truly what’s going to happen, we don’t know until it’s looked into further. As of right now, from a flood certificate standpoint, it does meet all of the county’s requirements.”

County Auditor Dan Widmer said the item would go on the supervisors’ agenda in the next two weeks, setting it up for a discussion on July 26 or Aug. 2. If the preliminary plat is approved, developers would return to the county with a construction plan before recording a final plat.

Todd Hahn, the developer proposing the Timberline Estates Part III subdivision, said the 37-acre area would have space for 24 houses across a roughly $250,000-$700,000 price range.

“In that area we’re building one (house) right now that’s for newlyweds, all the way down to a retired couple and this is their final home,” he said. “It’s a very diverse group that live out there … we have houses in the same street that are twice as big as the next one.”

Hahn acknowledged the anxiety from nearby residents, but said he felt issues were under control.

“They’re all legitimate concerns,” he said. “I sat and listened, and we’re trying to address all those … we were within all the guidelines, we did what the county asked us to do.”

Hahn said the location gave prospective homeowners an option to live close to Iowa City with minimal drawbacks.

“There are not that many lots available for people that want to move into the Iowa City area but don’t want to live right in Iowa City,” he said. “To me, it’s a win-win. You get cheaper taxes, you get bigger lots, we don’t have water bills, we have our own wells … the infrastructure being put in ahead of time definitely saves people a lot of money.”

With no development agreement in the works to push a strict deadline, Hahn said timetables for the new homes would depend on markets.

“Once they approve it, my intent is to start on the roads here this summer,” he said. “I’m hoping this spring, probably, to have the first house started out there.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com