Published: Apr. 11, 2005

By David Bracken, Staff Writer

Altered housing plan faces Apex panel vote

 
APEX -- The city Planning Board will vote today on whether to support a proposal to turn a former tobacco farm into a a 165-unit subdivision.

Michael D. Whitehead of MacGregor Development Co. wants to rezone the 65-acre farm at 1617 Ten Ten Road and turn it into Seagroves Farm, a subdivision initially featuring 123 single-family lots and 42 town houses.

Since Whitehead announced his plans this year, his proposal has run into opposition from the town's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Commission and from nearby residents.

But recent modifications to the subdivision plan appear to have addressed some of those concerns.

On Wednesday, the advisory commission voted unanimously to recommend that the town approve the park component of Seagroves Farm.

Whitehead has agreed to dedicate 9.8 acres of land for public recreation, including a pond and a 50-foot-wide conservation buffer. The one-story farmhouse on the property, which is on a list to become a state historic site, will be preserved and will sit next to the park.

The advisory commission had previously voted against approving Whitehead's request because his proposal did not designate 4.7 acres for public recreation, a town requirement. Whitehead had earlier asked the town to allow him to pay a one-time $150,000 fee instead of creating a town park.

Even with additional park land set aside, some residents in the abutting subdivisions continue to oppose the project.

Erika Layko, president of the Surrey Meadows Homeowners Association, said she worries that her neighborhood will be used as a cut-through by Seagroves residents. She said the two streets in her 162-home subdivision that would experience the greatest increase in traffic don't have sidewalks.

Fred Stancil, president of the Waterford Green Homeowners Association, said he is concerned about the long-term effect the subdivision will have on traffic, schools and property values. If necessary, he said, he plans to present alternatives to the Seagroves Farm traffic plan to the town commissioners.

"We're not totally against the development of the property," Stancil said. "What we're really fighting against is this proposed development."

A traffic study by Kimley-Horn & Associates that was presented by town planners in February estimated there would be 789 trips out of and into the Seagroves Farm on a typical weekday.

Stancil and Layko met with Whitehead in February to discuss their traffic concerns, but no compromise was reached.

They have filed a valid protest petition with the town. The petition means Whitehead's proposal must be approved by four of the five town commissioners.

Whitehead said he has been more than accommodating. "We have done everything that has been asked of us and more," he said.

The Apex Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the Seagroves Farm proposal April 19.
 

Staff writer David Bracken can be reached at 829-4548 or dbracken@newsobserver.com.