Village Project Gets OK

As of Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Pinehurst Village Council paved the way for the long-delayed Tradition of Old Town project to begin.

Tuesday, the council voted 4-1 to approve text amendments to the village residential development standards to increase the minimum amount of open space from 35 to 50 percent and to increase the maximum dwelling density from 5.25 to 16 units per acre.

Nancy Fiorillo cast the dissenting vote on both amendments.

"I'm not sure it is a smart decision to make," said Fiorillo, who questioned how the increased density would serve as a transition area to the future development of the village's core.

Project developer Michael Doninger told the council that increasing the density makes the project economically viable. He said that he anticipates beginning construction in May or June of 2011.

Before the vote, speakers during a public hearing were divided on the issue.

"This is Florida all over again," said resident Karen Kaplan. "No one has shown me how this will revitalize the area."

The current proposal would call for four buildings to be built in phases. They would include two- and three-bedroom town houses sold for $250,000 to $300,000. There would be a total of 62 units on less than four acres of land.

Doninger presented the current plans to the council in September. The council had voted in April to deny a density request for the project.

Contact Tom Embrey at tembrey@thepilot. com.

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annettespal 2 years, 6 months ago

It's about time they did something with this poperty, it has become an eye sore

ncsnafu1 2 years, 6 months ago

I hope the Village Council will be pleased with itself next year when construction starts on what in essence will be a four building Motel 6.

I agree that something should be done with the property; however, a 62 unit condo development in the Historic District is not the answer. This property has gone from zoning that allowed 2 single family homes to now 62 condo's. The council wanted a "transition" and now they've gotten it!

plj99 2 years, 6 months ago

As a developer in the Boston area, I can't believe this was approved. I don't think a developer should be rewarded for bad decisions.

If I were on a Town rep, I would have asked him who is bank is, does he have a firm agreement with them and how many units have to be presold prior to construction start.

With at least 2 years of supply in the area I don't think the banks are going to lend on a spec project.

ncsnafu1 2 years, 6 months ago

@Bassman; Yes, it's the over-grown clear cut piece of property at the corner of McCaskill Rd. & Magnolia Rd. that now apears to have a go cart tract on it!

soccermom 2 years, 6 months ago

plj99 says: As a developer in the Boston area, I can't believe this was approved. I don't think a developer should be rewarded for bad decisions.

Right on the money with this comment. Unbelievable that Village Council approved this text amendment and agreed to this.

Way to bail out and take care of this developer, Village Council - whom we all know has the Village's best interest at heart. (sarcasm here)

Best take a good long look at this area now, because with these type of developments getting approval - you won't recognize the Village in the future.

I guess the next project that will get approved is the Village Chapel expansion - another nail in the coffin.

Too bad, so sad.

ncsnafu1 2 years, 6 months ago

@soccermom: I really regret saying this; however, the Village Council, by approving the PDO text change sought by the VILLAGE STAFF in the second public hearing on 11/16 cleared the way for the staff to approve the Chapel site plan, once filed. Prior to this seemingly insignificant action, the site plan would have required consideration by the Village P&Z Board before being sent to the council for approval AFTER a required public hearing. With just a 5-0 vote, the council eliminated both meetings and the publics only chance to comment on the site plan. One gentleman pointed this out to the council although it was apparent from the start of the hearing that approval was a done deal given that the council walked into the hearing with an already preparded ordinance to vote on.

So here we are, a future 100,000 square foot Motel 6 at one end of the Historic District with a 16,500 square foot multi-classroom "non-school" on the Village Green! Is it any wonder that the National Park Service is concerned??????????????