Planners approve first big subdivision since 2008
Plans for a 242-home subdivision in north Merced narrowly won approval this week from the city’s Planning Commission, the first such decision in nearly a decade, according to the city staff.
The 55 acres of homes are set to be developed in the area west of M Street where it crosses Arrow Wood Drive.
Despite concerns the lots would be too small, the plans were approved Wednesday on a 4-3 vote by the Planning Commission. Dissenting votes were cast by Bill Baker, Jill McLeod and Kurt Smoot.
“(They’re) just really small,” Baker said Thursday. “And I understand that it meets the planned development guidelines. But, as a planning commissioner, I thought we’re supposed to look out for the best interests of the community, taking all things into consideration, not just the guidelines.”
According to the site plan, 47 of the lots are set to be smaller than 5,000 square feet, with 103 smaller than 6,000 square feet and 92 larger than 6,000 square feet. Some of the homes at the end of cul-de-sacs could be on lots as large as 12,000 square feet, according to city staffers.
(They’re) just really small. And I understand that it meets the planned development guidelines. But, as a planning commissioner, I thought we’re supposed to look out for the best interests of the community, taking all things into consideration, not just the guidelines.
Planning Commissioner Bill Baker
Baker said the “cluster” of smaller houses could make streets busier and less safe for children. Baker, who owns Homenet Realty, said buyers in this area look for homes with larger backyards.
Commissioner Peter Padilla, who voted to approve the plans, said the new subdivision is consistent with the master plan for the area and the developments surrounding it. He noted that under the plans, Fahrens Creek, which runs along the western edge of the site, won’t be allowed to be altered by development. That should leave room for a large public park, he said.
Padilla said he believes the smaller homes will sell. “No developer is going to build something there is no market for,” he said Thursday.
The homes in the new subdivision are being developed by Baxter Ranches, the company owned by developer Greg Hostetler.
Development in that area has been contentious, with homeowners pushing back against plans to add massive apartment complexes farther north near Bellevue Road.
Much of the opposition has involved similar complaints, arguing that development is packing too many people into the space and potentially lowering home values. Homeowners in the area have complained that streets already are crowded with parked cars.
Bellevue Ranch East, the subdivision on the other side of M Street, is only partially developed. Though the lots have driveways and curbs, they mostly are just squares filled with tall weeds.
No developer is going to build something there is no market for.
Planning Commissioner Peter Padilla
Kim Espinosa, Merced’s planning manager, said the new plans will need to cross the desk of the City Council, but that’s really just a formality. She said the new subdivision will be similar to the developments to the south and east of it.
The city staff has predicted a pickup in home construction this year after several slumping years. Homes in the new subdivision are likely two years from completion, according to the staff.
Realtor Andy Krotik of Coldwell Banker Gonella Realty in Atwater said smaller homes typically are built to keep the prices down. Many buyers would like large homes, he said, but may not be able to afford them.
“A bigger backyard is always going to be more appealing, generally speaking, but you have to have a mixed bag,” Krotik said.
Thaddeus Miller: 209-385-2453, @thaddeusmiller
This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 6:41 PM with the headline "Planners approve first big subdivision since 2008."