Officials expect a full house at the city’s planning and zoning meeting on Thursday evening. Members of the Orchard Park neighborhood are upset about plans for an apartment complex and storage building to go up across the street from their neighborhood, behind the Walmart on 114th and Quaker.
Neighbor Margaurite Bourne said they were notified of the project in December by the city, and since then she has collected 57 letters of opposition from fellow neighbors. She said she thinks the apartments will make the neighborhood less desirable for potential homeowners.
“We’re going to be looking at 19 apartment buildings, and some RV and boat storage evidently.” Bourne said.
Although some are against the idea, Councilman Steve Massengale for District 4 said the Home Owner’s Association is in favor of the project. He said neighbors were also vocal when the Walmart went up.
“It’s my understanding that the HOA are going to come out and support it tonight,” said Massengale.
Neighbor Elizabeth White has lived in the community for four years and thinks there’s a miscommunication between the HOA and the rest of the neighbors. She prepared a speech to say at the Planning and Zoning meeting.
“I would like for everyone who is involved with this, to be fully vetted, and so give everyone the opportunity to reply.” White said.
If the Planning and Zoning committee approves the project, the City Council will discuss it at their next meeting.