Opposition to Changes in Woodbury Crossing Master Plan

We would like to raise our protest to the proposed modification of this project from a triplex multifamily project to what is essentially a traditional apartment complex. We realize that, per the city’s municipal code, an apartment actually includes triplexes. However, triplexes can be made to look similar to single family dwellings in architecture and scale. The triplexes that have been constructed in other areas of Woodbury Crossing have done a reasonable job of this. A building that houses 8 units, however, is a full scale apartment building, way out of scale and character with single family housing. The lot that this development is proposed on is at the main entrance to our development and would completely change our neighborhood aesthetic.

Per the master plan, this development was supposed to have single family detached homes, townhomes, duplexes and triplexes only. All of these building types are keeping with a single family feel with a pedestrian level scale. The proposed “eight-plexes” look to be traditional apartment type buildings plus a large parking lot which is way out of scale with a single family feel. In fact the master plan is very specific about only allowing apartment type development as part of the commercial development of the village green which we believe was more living spaces above retail spaces. The design guidelines talk about providing visual diversity which is largely ignored in the elevations provided with the application. The buildings proposed look like typical garden variety apartments. There is nothing special about them and they are way too large to fit in with the rest of the Woodbury Crossing development.

This development has already failed to deliver on the promises of the master plan. The master plan is supposed to have a “commons”. This commons was promised to have amenities as well as retail and other complements to the neighborhood. We realize that you cannot force retail to come into a development. However some of the other amenities promised could be delivered such as plazas and people spaces. As of now we look at a poorly maintained lawn where the “commons” is supposed to be. We were supposed to have a grand entry, walking trails, community message board and the list goes on. We are also supposed to have a “preserve” around our storm water ponds with gardens, seating and exercise stations. This also has not been delivered upon. Our grand entrance is supposed to have a wonderful sign with amazing landscaping. Our sign is so-so and our landscaping is nothing special and has been allowed to die with lack of maintenance. We realize that the developer of this one lot may not be the overall developer of the master plan and wouldn’t be the one to install these amenities but we hate to see concessions and amendments being granted on the development side when no one has delivered on some of what was to make this development special. Seems you should have to give to get.