Patterson Irrigator

EDITOR,
 I would like to draw attention to another attempt by developers to shoehorn an apartment and townhome development near Ward Avenue and Ninth Street. The same developer submitted a similar plan to the Patterson Planning Commission about a year ago, and the commission rejected the plan, citing negative impacts on local schools and disapproval with the arrangement of open space.  

This project’s recent round of discussion did not meet with the same outcry as the first. This was evident by the low turnout from residents. I have to believe that schedules and work hindered residents from attending. Another possibility is that Patterson trusted that the commission would never allow the approval of such an ill-conceived plan, especially after they had shown such insight on the first attempt.

Will there be any onsite property management? While I do not believe all apartments house criminals, responsible onsite management can ensure that rules and regulations are followed. The occupants will need a place to park their cars; the surrounding streets in Heartland Ranch and alongside Patterson High School will prove to be convenient.  Homes meant for one couple (and children) with two cars quickly become two couples with four cars.

With five schools in the area, morning driving already resembles driving through a minefield. This project will only cause more stress and will increase the potential for accidents between vehicles and children. Lights and lanes will not decrease the amount of cars. Initial promises of population and auto density will vanish when faced with the need to fill apartments. A $4.76 per-square-foot-of-construction fee will not fix these problems.

I have no issue with apartments, but they should not be at this location.
A section of land needs to be designated as high-density housing. Preferably, this site should be in an area that is convenient for its occupants, versatile in its ingress and egress, does not affect the investment of established homeowners, and provides a safe learning environment for our children. This is a long list of needs. With careful thought-out planning, it can be accomplished.

— Ken and Susan Leytem, Patterson

Comments (1)

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written by Mike Talia , August 20, 2007

Patterson's housing does not offer the sort of opportunities that those of modest income deserve. Without affordable housing in the form of townhouses, condos and apartments Patterson will be pa*sed over in favor of towns with those options.

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