Indian Trail, NC – Indian Trail officials will consider a proposal tonight that some residents say will protect the investment of homeowners who buy expensive homes in neighborhoods.
The proposal is in the form of a temporary moratorium on home construction.
It is designed to help people like Cathi Higgins, whose family bought a $400,000-plus home in the Sheridan subdivision before the recession took hold and construction stopped in her neighborhood. Only 40 of the 250 lots have been developed in Sheridan, which is off Wesley Chapel Road, north of Weddington Road.
Some residents say they are concerned over reports that Ryan Homes wants to build houses on the empty lots that would sell for about $160,000.
“What’s happening in Sheridan is happening in other communities in Indian Trail, said Higgins, who backs the moratorium and more permanent changes to the town’s building codes to prevent homeowners from scaling back too far. Our property values will be reduced and we believe our quality of live will be diminished. You know your biggest investment is your house. We’re hoping to stall that or stay that until the standards are in place to protect us.”
- Cathi Higgins, homeowner
At least one member of the council is opposed to the idea.
“Whereas I’m cognizant of where they are coming from, it would be stymie the economy the way it is now, as hard as we are pushing for growth,” said council member Robert Allen. He says he would consider some long-term changes to the town’s building codes, but he completely opposes a moratorium. “You’ve completely stopped the economy on a dime. While I do appreciate where they are coming from, it’s overkill.”
Higgins argues that the town will lose out on the tax revenue of the higher-priced homes that were once slated for the area. “You’re only losing money if you have it,” Allen said.
The town council will take up the issue at its 7 p.m. meeting tonight. The meeting is at town hall, on Indian Trail Road.
Sheridan neighbors have recruited homeowners from other unfinished subdivisions that have been or could be affected by changes in builders and building standards. Those include Taylor Glenn, Brandon Oaks and Bonterra.
Article courtesy of Charlotte Observer
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