New homes could soon be rising in the City of Newport.
The city's Planning Commission held a public hearing and approved preliminary plans for a new housing development on the city's southeast side that will bring seven new single-family homes to town. The City Council approved the plan last week.
The development calls for extending 11th Avenue south of 12th Street and homes being built on the west side of 11th Avenue. Roseville-based developer Healthy Home Builders is hoping to break ground in September or October with the City Council's approval. Developer John Matthews estimates the future homes' values to be near $250,000.
The purpose of bringing the issue before the Planning Commission was to examine land use plans and to make sure they met city requirements.
Stormwater management was the primary concern, considering Newport's history of water trouble. City Administrator Larry Bodahl met with the real estate agent, surveyor and civil engineers representing the developer and recommended the commission approve the proposal.
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"I could see no reason this couldn't begin this fall," Bodahl said.
Currently, the property is heavily wooded and the developer maintained he would preserve as many trees as possible. Matthews said the lots are deep and would allow him to leave 30 feet of untouched trees.
"The trees sell the lots," Matthews said.
Planning Commission Chair Susan Lindoo added, "It would behoove the developer to keep as many trees as he could."
The proposal also calls for vacating, or eliminating, a portion of Monroe Street. As the street only exists on paper, the allotted land will simply be turned over to the developer.
There was very little discussion from the public or commission members and the proposal quickly came to vote.
"I would add that we approve it contingent upon the preliminary plat containing the stormwater runoff design and also the plan for landscaping," Lindoo said.
