Developer cares about community

To the editor:

I am extremely disappointed with the journalism for the article pertaining to the South Main apartments. With better understanding and research, it would have been known that the proposed building is well within the height and setback restrictions of the village, which were not changed to accept this project.

The only modification to the zoning was a definition of “unit.” Before, no building could have more than 15 units, but unit was not defined. Someone could have suggested building higher, wider and 15 four-plus-bedroom apartments and satisfied our zoning rules for this area.

The proposed project would be the equivalent to someone wanting to come in and build the same size building but with 15 two-bedroom units. This scenario would have required no changes to the zoning.

I have personally met Dan Johnson; I can tell you that he cares deeply about the community and the possible impact this project might have on the neighbors. He has worked with an architect to create historical accents and limit the visual impact to the downtown. Not every developer is going to go to the extents he has. Anyone who has concerns, please reach out to Dan and/or attend the informational meeting on June 30 prior to the vote. 

In my opinion, this article is trying to create controversy that could curb interest from developers in the future. This could then hinder the planned higher-density request of the town/village plan by looking like we don’t support any growth in our village or town.

Moving forward after Irene, the ability to do any development in the flood plain is going to be more difficult and more expensive. Expect any new construction to be at least two stories, as the main floors will have to be above at least the 100-year flood plain but possibly equal to the 500-year flood plain in the near future.

Everyone should be aware of the challenges we face in the future financially if we do not look at these projects as possible solutions for a loss in grand list value after Irene in the village/town, a village water/sewer system that is only increasing in cost but never allowed to fully expand outside of the village, and the continued interest in Waterbury from both residents and businesses. 

I hope the village residents see the positives outweigh the negatives with this project and take the time to vote at the end of the month. Maybe an article looking at the positives of someone wanting to invest in our flood zone, the true cost of Waterbury not merging the village/town and the difficulties of sustainable growth in a quickly growing community should be considered.

Mark Frier

Village/town resident, select board member, local business owner