Minot Apartment Development Controversy
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| 10/23/2009 |
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| This newer development in southeast Minot has homes starting at $200,000. Families moved in as soon as the homes were built, thinking they were in a peaceful neighborhood. "We wanted a quiet life from the farm," says Alan Erickson, Minot Erickson and his wife moved from Carpio about a year and a half ago. "We found the perfect house," says Erickson. Erickson`s house is in Edgewood Village. It`s a 55 and older community. The land beyond his back yard has been vacant. "We thought it was going to be housing," says Erickson. Erickson`s neighbor, Tom Dronin, told him last week that the land behind his won`t be filled with single-family houses. "They want to build 252 units. That`s 500 more vehicles, it`s going to exasperate the problem," says Dronin. Dronin`s not the only one who`s upset. "I`ve been on city council for nine years, and I`ve never had so many phone calls," says Ron Boen Boen represents Ward 7, where the proposed apartment complex is. "There`s valid concern to be against this," says Boen. Residents say they believe an apartment complex would bring far too many people and more traffic, making the intersection at 16th Avenue and 13th Street even more dangerous than it already is. "This is one of the most dangerous intersections in Minot," says Dronin. Tom`s wife, Pertha, is a realtor who says if an apartment complex is approved, home values will decrease. "This huge project just doesn`t fit," says Dronin. "We have a petition," says Erickson. On Monday, that petition will be brought to City Hall where the Minot Planning Committee will be hosting a meeting. Along with the petition, there will be a number of residents there who have something to say. "It`s a big concern," says Erickson. "There`s so many unanswered questions. I know Minot is going through growing pains, but a building this big just doesn`t fit in our area," says Dronin. Residents also say that the apartment complex will bring more children into Washington Elementary, which is already at full capacity. The meeting is on Monday, October 26th at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Planning Committee will decide whether to approve construction of the apartment. If passed, it would go to city council the following week. |
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