In February 2009, dozens of neighbors from the 81st and Union area attended the City Council meeting where a development including almost 300 apartment units and commercial development was under consideration. Despite the neighbor's protests, the Council vote was 5 to 4 in favor of the development.
Neighbors had hoped for a development of homes and town homes with individual private owners rather than renters. However, the larger concern for some was the already approved development of over 1000 apartment units across the street. While some Councilors acknowledged the potential problem, others minimized the impact, stating the developer's intentions to fully develop that property are not known and may be limited by topographic and other considerations.
Neighbors who have in many instances lived in a semi-rural area with large lots for decades will now witness the influx of at least 600, and quite possibly over 1000, apartment units and the associated traffic on two lane roads.
While quick to acknowledge that they have been waiting and wanting development, they made it quite clear this is not what they had in mind.
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