Council Approves Downtown Housing Project Despite Neighborhood Opposition

The City Council has given the go-ahead to a controversial housing development in the heart of downtown, overriding objections from local residents. The King Street West project, which will bring 161 new housing units to a 43-acre wooded area, was approved in a council vote on Tuesday night.

Landmark Properties, the Georgia-based developer behind the project, faced fierce opposition from neighboring residents who raised concerns about increased traffic congestion and potential safety issues. Victor Lamoureux, who lives near the site, expressed dismay at the council's decision. "The town board gave in by not repealing the previous board's approval of the project," he said. "Logging work has already started on the site, much to our disappointment."

Despite the opposition, the council ultimately sided with the developer. The project had previously been approved by a prior town board, and a state appeals court decided against the opponents who sought to block it. The current town board decided not to continue fighting the developers in court.

Why this matters: The approval of the King Street West project highlights the ongoing tension between the need for new housing development and the concerns of existing residents in rapidly growing urban areas. The decision could set a standard for similar projects in the future.

The new housing development, dubbed "The Retreat at Bunn Hill," will be built on a wooded area between Bunn Hill Road and Jensen Road, in close proximity to the city center. It remains unclear when the first units will be available for occupancy. Landmark Properties did not immediately respond to requests for comment on their construction timeline.

Key Takeaways

• City Council approved controversial 161-unit housing project in downtown.
• Neighboring residents opposed project due to traffic, safety concerns.
• Previous town board and state court approved the project, current board declined to fight.
• Decision highlights tension between new housing and existing residents' concerns.
• Project, dubbed "The Retreat at Bunn Hill," to be built on 43-acre wooded area.