After months of discussion and revisions, the Dickinson City Commission moved to approve the first reading of a rezoning petition for the 282-acre Barons Vista development on Monday evening.
Several residents who attended the meeting unanimously spoke in favor of the proposed commercial and residential development on the south side of Interstate 94 Exit 59.
Each resident expressed concerns with the lack of affordable housing options available in Dickinson, and said the proposed development would help alleviate the issue.
If approved, Barons Vista will develop the agricultural-zoned land into 500 single-family housing units, which will fall in the $280,000 price range. The space will also be used for commercial purposes.
One man, who said he was living in Richardton, said he could see his family moving to the Barons Vista development and settling down there, adding it would be in his price range. The man said he moved to the North Dakota in 2010, and was living in a camper with his wife and two children.
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There were few other options in the area for affordable, single-family housing when he moved here, the Richardton man said. He was eventually able to find a place, he said, but expressed sympathy for those who have not been able.
A Williston resident who also spoke at the meeting said when he first arrived four years ago, housing primarily consisted of RV and camper-style units. However, this model has changed with a demand for permanent residences.
Others said they know people who have not spread their roots in the city for this very reason.
Commissioner Gene Jackson was the only of four members voting who opposed the petition.
“My concerns are because of the inventory we have,” Jackson said.
He said they need to take into consideration long-term population numbers and other potential projects.
Jackson said the 500 single-family residential units may be too many when considering other projects, which may or may not come to fruition.
The fluctuation in oil prices was also a concern raised at the meeting, as the population of the city closely mimics the strength of the industry.
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However, Danny Lim, principal founder of Barons Vista, said the oil slowdown is not a deterrent from the development’s point of view.
“We came to the U.S. in 2010, when everyone was running away,” Lim said.
He said the company likes to develop during these slowdowns, because the price of construction usually drops.
Lim also said the Singapore-based company has enough funds so they will not have to ask the city for additional support for the project.
A second hearing of the proposal will take place at the next city commission meeting.
The commission also unanimously approved the acquisition of the final parcel of land needed to begin construction on 21st Street West. The land is currently owned by Dickinson Energy LLC and is appraised around $21,600.
