Before building on a single lot, Trailside Woods is already making friends with its neighbors. The 41 single-family home project is addressing an environmental issue that has plagued that area for decades – flooding.
“I’ve been there for 49 years and been fighting the water problem the entire time,” said Sam Trump, who lives adjacent to the property. “We have no relief.”
There is drainage issues with the property, which collects water from U.S. 32 and Hazel Dell Elementary School runoffs. Civil engineer Ed Hamilton said larger pipes, culverts, ponds and sewer lines will correct the issue and the development is trying to attract water from nearby properties to provide relief.
“There are serious drainage concerns with the property, but I think they are addressed now,” councilor Jeff Zeckel said.
The 41-lot project is 22 acres, including 11 heavily-wooded acres, off Ind. 32, just east of Gray Road and immediately adjacent to Hazel Dell Elementary and the Midland Trace Trail, and serve as an extension to Slater Ridge, a similar subdivision to the south.
Amenities to the development include woods, a gazebo, a community meeting area that surrounds a fire pit, nature trails through the woods, a small boardwalk over a water detention basin, a rain garden and a storm water pond.
Developers said each home would be at least 2,200 square feet and prices are expected to range from $350,000 to $500,000. Homes are expected to be available early next year.
Other items of business:
* The common council approved funding an additional $75,000 for the facade grant improvement program. Economic development specialist Alaina Shonkwiler said the program has received two grants this year, each asking for the maximum $25,000 matching grant. Since November 2007, the city has awarded 45 grants totaling $622,608.48 in public funds and matched by $820,828.33 in private investment.
* Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County received no charge for fees associated with the residences at 1803, 1805 and 1876 Cherry Street. Because of laws, the city cannot waive the fees but has elected to pay for them instead of charging the nonprofit. The total of the building, driveway, sewer connection, road impact and park impact fees was $7,488.65.
