Local Development:
Local Neighborhood Developments Impact Loch Alpine
Granite Hills (and the Preserves)
Norfolk Development originally proposed a site condominium development of 37 homes situated on ½ acre to 1 acre lots on the Doolittle property adjacent to, and immediately west of, Loch Alpine. That property is 37 acres in size and straddles the Scio/Webster border. This development is tentatively named "Granite Hills". The Preserves is a development of luxury home sites carved from an old gravel quarry. The Preserves is west of Loch Alpine, also.
The proposed Granite Hills development may significantly impact Loch Alpine’s water supply and sewer system. In addition, storm water from both Granite Hills and the Preserves will flow into Boyden Creek and into our lakes. Both developments incorporate dry detention ponds. If these are appropriately sized they may control flow rates at best. They are not designed to eliminate contaminants from the water that flows into Loch Alpine. Salts, lawn chemicals, etc can still flow into the lakes we have spent so much to maintain.
Nixon Farm
A company, Grand Sakwa Webster LLC, is proposing a development on 281 acres of farmland in Webster Township. Originally, the plan called for 1200 mobile homes but the most recent revision calls for up to 500 "stick-built" homes starting at $300,000. The potential impact on the community is significant and includes, but is not limited to:
- The Dexter Community Schools
- Traffic in and around Dexter
- Safety Services
- The Rural Nature of the Webster Township Area
- Property Valuation
- The Surrounding Watershed and Aquifer
Community Response
The LAIA Board has formed an ad hoc committee to coordinate our actions with respect to the Granite Hills development. The committee is headed by Mike Eblen, who already has considerable knowledge of the issues involved. Community members are encourage to contact him. This committee is working to research applicable laws and regulations, track the development’s progress through the planning process, develop responses to Norfolk’s initiatives, organize our presentations to planning authorities, and keep the community informed on this issue.
In addition, a citizens group, Webster Neighbors for Responsible Growth, has formed to address the impact of residential development in Webster Township and this committee is focusing on the Nixon Farm development.
More Information
Copyright © [2008] [Loch Alpine Improvement Association]
