Dwelling upgrade or traffic magnet ? Roy apartments on the block as condominiums after remodeling
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1 Comment [ View ]By RACHEL J. TROTTER
Standard-Examiner correspondent
ROY -- A small subdivision on 5800 South is getting a facelift and, while many in the city couldn't be happier, some residents are concerned about the effects it may have on their traffic.
Painter Park subdivision, at about 2000 W. 5800 South and owned by the Plateau Group, was previously an apartment complex. The developer wants to change the apartments into condominiums and then offer to sell them to tenants rather than just renting the units.
The Plateau Group is in the process of giving the apartments or future condominiums a complete remodel.
Originally, the property owner planned to expand the apartments into a 32-unit complex that would extend all the way to 1900 West, but that deal fell through, so the plan is to refurbish the apartments and sell them as condominiums. The extra space to the east of the units is still open.
Some residents expressed concern that a right of way would go from 1900 West into the complex, causing heavier traffic in their neighborhood.
Community and Economic Development Director Tony Reynolds assured the planning commission and residents the city council has been very clear about not allowing any kind of access from 1900 West except for emergency access.
That access would be guarded by a crash gate or some sort of covering so it could be used only in an emergency.
City planner Jared Hall told the planning commission the recommendation to the council to approve the subdivision is a good one.
"They are upgrading a multi-family dwelling -- you usually don't get that," Hall said.
He told the commission that the commons area of the complex would be upgraded with landscaping and it would improve the area greatly. Construction has already begun on the project and the developer is looking for the go-ahead to be able to start selling the units rather than rent them out.
"Multi-family units usually degrade, not upgrade," he said.
Reynolds also said it is a positive move.
"You are providing an opportunity for ownership rather than tenants," he said.
The city council already approved a conditional-use permit for the re-facing to begin and will look at the planning commission's unanimous recommendation for allowing the apartments to be sold as condominiums.
Arlene Terry lives near the apartment complex and expressed frustration over the constant change in the area.
She said she and her husband have lived in their home for 40 years and were told that area wouldn't be developed like it has been.
"We were told something, and why can't they stick with it?" she said.
Planning Commissioner David Collins explained that when it comes to property rights, the city doesn't have a lot of say.
"If they are following the codes and city requirements, they have rights. I don't have an answer when it comes to controlling people's property rights," he said.
"We don't mind the apartments, but it changes continually," Terry said.
Reynolds said that it would be an improvement to the neighborhood and he doesn't see traffic increasing.
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