Canyon Cliffs Developer Pens JG Column
Posted by Jeff Pruitt - 7/15/08 @ 9:23 am - Filed Under Local Politics
You can read today’s JG column by the developers of the Canyon Cliffs property here. A few tidbits:
Perry Township is the fastest-growing township in Allen County, creating significant demand for all types of residential housing and, especially, high-end, low-density housing. The Coldwater Road corridor is well suited for this development.
I don’t think there’s any doubt they’re going to try and leverage this expansion to promote more development in the area - this quote all but admits it.
With all respect, we believe we know a thing or two about the environment as we work in it day in and day out. Not only can residential housing be compatible with the goal of nature conservancy, but it can serve to enhance nearby conservation land with environmentally sound residential development.
Unbelievable - only a developer could suggest with a straight face that new development could enhance nature conservancy.
Its 5-acres-per-lot density does not require a rezoning and is consistent with the Plan-it Allen comprehensive plan.
What section detailed the goal of pillaging the community’s most precious environment to build a few homes for rich people - I must’ve missed that.
The Allen County Regional Water & Sewer District seeks to not only reverse the trend of using septic systems for new residential housing, but also to leverage new housing to provide meaningful septic system relief for existing homes.
Of course that decision was made by your buddies on the board.
Members of the study committee that formulated the ordinance believe Canyon Cliffs to be entirely consistent with the ordinance.
The ordinance was written by the guy now selling the land! I’m sure that’s coincidence though.
Canyon Cliffs is an environmentally sound development. It has received and stood the test of intense public scrutiny.
What does that even mean? The public hates Canyon Cliffs. It’s being pushed without their consent by developers and their sympathizers on the plan commission.
we can assure the community is that Canyon Cliffs will be a development that will raise the bar in a way no other development has in our county.
Well I would suggest the bar is being lowered to a place like none we’ve seen. Is there not enough land for these guys to develop elsewhere in the county? They simply must destroy some of the most beautiful habitat we have against the people’s will I suppose. It wouldn’t be Allen County otherwise would it?
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“we can assure the community is that Canyon Cliffs will be a development that will raise the bar in a way no other development has in our county.”
Sounds a little bit like “we’re from the government and we are here to help you”!
I’m thinking the only “bar” that will be raised will be the one these developers drink in.
“The Allen County Regional Water & Sewer District seeks to not only reverse the trend of using septic systems for new residential housing, but also to leverage new housing to provide meaningful septic system relief for existing homes.” Read this as meaning..Get all the taxpayers to foot the bill for a few folks that have failed septic systems.
The proposed Canyon Cliffs housing development is poor land use and land management at its finest. Wreck some of Allen County’s last great, wooded, green spaces to create a private luxury oasis for the wealthy. Keep in mind, this area is not just a woods in the middle of a corn field, or a small section of wooded area surrounded by development. The Cedar Creek area is a unique habitat and part of a designated “scenic river” area in NE Indiana. One of only three to achieve this status in the state. There are spectacular forty foot high canyon cliff walls carved by glaciers thousands, perhaps millions of years ago near the property . A complex, complete ecosystem is thriving in this area which would be intruded on by bulldozing roads through the woods and building luxury mansions where pastures now exist. The developers can talk all they want about how “green” the mansions and subdivision will be, but they are missing the point - there is ALREADY pristine, green habitat there. The majority of Allen County has already been developed for housing and human interests, and considering our local housing market has taken a significant downturn, why not leave some of the last great green spaces left in a natural state ?
There are hundreds of Allen County residents against this development. Two public hearings have taken place where the opponents of this development outnumbered those in favor of it, 10 to 1. I hope the Plan Commission will listen to the overwhelming number of people who oppose this development and make a sound and wise decision to vote against this proposed housing addition.
This is eerily like a residential version of Harrison Square, where something the citizens clearly do not want, is being crammed down their throats, in the case of Harrison Square it was done by a number of lame duck city council members and one who was voted out of office as a result of his vote on the project (among other reasons).
The difference here is that the land is privately owned by a member of the commission determining the fate of the project. Even recusing himself, his colleagues on the commission are likely to support it for future and collateral benefit and/or consideration.
I’m not sure what recourse the the citizens have in opposing it. A County Commissioner, County Council member or other elected official who may serve on the commission may be the only leverage voters have to influence the outcome, then only if they are opposed in the next election.
What are people prepared to do?
Jeff - Who are the members of the Commission that will decide this issue?
Fred,
Here’s a list of the Plan Commission members including their contact info:
I’m not sure how these folks sleep at night. Delusional…yes they are.
Raise the bar? I doubt if the residents of this luxury subdivision will even come close to the existing bar. Will they participate in the unique community of Cedar Creek/Huntertown? Will I see them at the Isaac Walton Fish Fry? Will they be donating time at the food and clothing bank at Huntertown UMC? Will they be pulling garlic mustard in the ACRES preserve? Will they reject the idea of a bright green lawn and plant native plants around their homes? Will they grow vegetables and raise a few chickens on their five acres? Will I see them with a hiking staff instead of a 4-wheeler? The answer is no if we examine the new housing division the article references (north of Cedar Canyons and east of Coldwater).
Can someone please tell me who to contact to join in the opposition planning for the proposed development of Canyon Cliffs? Or where to keep up-to-date on news concerning it? The web sites I have checked all have old info. Thanks.
Karen,
There’s actually been quite a bit of discussion here at FWP. Many opposition members have commented here and I’m sure will be commenting again as the issue heats back up.
There was a google group formed to fight the project so just stick around and/or search the previous posts for “Canyon Cliffs” and I’m sure you’ll find the information you need…
The big difference between Harrison Square and Cedar Canyon participants is that city council members can be voted off the council.
The members of the plan commission are appointed from the unincorporated areas of Allen County (unless they hold a particular office such as county surveyor), so the odds of getting rid of them are slim to none until their terms are up.
Until that time, they can wreak havoc on Allen County by voting how they see fit - even if it is against the public’s wishes.