Town planning director Kris Krider told the Town Board Tuesday night he’s disappointed over the limited progress in discussions with the developer of a proposed 34-unit luxury housing development on 17 acres off Pine Road.

Speaking at the Town Board’s monthly work session, Mr. Krider said planners are unhappy in particular at the developer’s lack of firm plans for saving trees on the site and a lack of progress on discussions about reconfiguring roads.

“We’re not ready to recommend it for approval. We think it needs another look before it comes to you for a vote,” Mr. Krider said.

The development, on land owned by Lawrence Kimbrough, has been the subject of a series of meetings, including public planning workshops and Town Board presentations.

Mr. Kimbrough is working with Charlotte developer Killian-Simonini LLC. Developer Ray Killian said last month he has already made concessions in his efforts to win approval of the plan.

The project also has stirred controversy because the Town Board granted Mr. Kimbrough an exemption from the town’s affordable housing requirement on the property, in exchange for land, some of which town officials say was needed to complete the Southeast Greenway.

Board member and mayoral candidate John Woods told Mr. Krider to take as much time as needed to help the town get what it wants. “We don’t mind you all waiting to negotiate the best plan,” he said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Oct. 9, 2007, “Residents fight Pine Rd. project”

Sept. 26, 2007, “Questions remain about Pine Road project.”

May 16, 2007, “Luxury homes planned off Pine Road”

May 17, 2007, “Four scenarios offered for Pine Road parcel”

June 6, 2007, “Town gives details of exemption deal”

June 10, 2007, “Was land swap a ‘reasonable deal’ (Commentary by Rodney Graham”

LINKS

Davidson planning department analysis of the project master plan. (Requires Adobe Reader software)(Size: 2 mb)