A developer who believes he's trying to provide affordable housing in Orem is getting flak over his twin home project from nearby residents.
Bill Fairbanks, representing Carter Construction and North Meadow Twin Homes, said the homes will be offered at between $100,000 and $125,000.He said the homes will "not be tiny little apartments" but 1,600 to 2,200 square feet on several levels with basements.
Each will be of brick, masonry or stucco and be connected to another by oversize single garages.
Carter plans to put the 34 twin units into a currently vacant area at 550 West and 1400 North.
As part of the plan, he will finish 1400 North to reach State Street from 550 West.
The development raised the hackles of people living in homes on large lots that back onto the project in northwest Orem.
"Why change?" said Wayne Lott, whose home is just south of the proposed project. "You have 1,100-square-foot homes going in behind homes with 1,600 square feet on the main level and 900-to-1,200-square-foot basements. If that doesn't reduce property value, I don't know what will."
Orem City had to agree to change the land-use designation on the general plan and rezone the property to fit in the project.
"Philosophically, we want to keep the character of the neighborhood intact," said Councilman Kelvin Clayton. "On the other hand, we see here a construction company trying to provided housing badly needed in our community."
Neighbors argued that the new access road, 1400 North, would provide entry into their neighborhood and endanger schoolchildren and lifestyle.
"I was commanded to put the road there," said Fairbanks. "Without it, you're forced to drive down to the school and into the neighborhood."
Councilman Stephen Sandstrom said he remembered the twin home option being warmly received by residents the first time the project came up for public discussion.
Council members noted also that a trailer court and vacant property has bordered the neighborhood for years.
They voted to change the land use from low to medium density and approve the project.