Developer Asks For Zone Change To Build New Apartment Complex In Addition To Buildings, Complex Would Include Parks, Pool

Thu., Dec. 31, 1998

By Kristen Kromer kristenk@spokesman.com

An apartment complex proposed for the Nevada Lidgerwood neighborhood met little opposition at a hearing Tuesday.

The Prairie Hills at Grayhawk apartments would consist of 384 units on about 19 acres south of Lincoln Road between Napa and Helena streets.

Property owners Harlan and Maxine Douglass applied for a zone change and special permit application for the area. They were represented by Cliff Cameron.

The zone change applies to about seven acres of the site, and would allow for multifamily residences. The area is currently zoned for two-family residences.

The special permit would allow the grouping of residences. That clustering allows for more open space and the creation of on-site parks, Cameron said.

The proposed complex contains two parks, a clubhouse, pool and paved pathways in addition to the 19 apartment buildings. The plan also features sidewalks around the perimeter of the development and parking for 726 vehicles in attached and detached garages.

Cameron said the complex would have more of a “single-family residence” feel with its two-story structures and covered garages.

Al French, chair of the Nevada Lidgerwood neighborhood council, expressed his approval of the proposed complex on behalf of the neighborhood.

He said the plan is “consistent with the intent of the neighborhood’s growth strategy” and would provide affordable housing options to residents.

The property file contains two letters of opposition. One, from Randolph Currier, owner of several North Side apartment complexes, cited concerns of overbuilding on the North Side.

Another expressed concern about increased traffic and the effect apartment buildings might have on neighboring single-family homes.

A representative of Kaiser Aluminum also testified at the hearing. Kaiser’s Mead plant is located about a half mile north of the proposed complex.

Though he said the company neither supports nor opposes Prairie Hills, he did request that the developer consider adding extra buffering to shelter the apartments from potential noise.

Hearing Examiner Greg Smith has 14 days to make a decision on the proposal.

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