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Poland residents raise concerns about proposed duplex project
POLAND
Village residents raised concerns about a proposed duplex project for Riverside Drive at a zoning board of appeals meeting Thursday.
The 4M Company, led by architect Robert Mastriana, has plans to purchase a lot on the corner of Riverside and U.S. Route 224 and build two duplexes. Many residents expressed concerns about preserving the historic nature of the area, which they think a multi-unit dwelling would endanger.
“My primary objection to this project is what’s going to happen to our neighborhood,” said resident David McLeroy. “The reason I selected Poland ... is I wanted the stability of an old community I can invest in and call home. That’s going to change.”
Many other residents agreed, citing a desire to maintain the historic integrity of the street and protect property values.
Mastriana said these should not be issues because his design is in the same Greek revival style as the other homes on the street, and the planned $350,000 price of the residences would be in line with current property values.
McLeroy also said he is worried about drainage, because his property already has issues with flooding and he thinks construction on that property would worsen the problem. In addition, he said, traffic on the street is already congested because it is narrow and has school bus traffic from Dobbins Elementary.
A few residents spoke out in favor of the project, however.
“I’m for the project,” said Ted Gough. “I think it’ll enhance the value of our properties ... This is an opportunity to have a real high-end project there. I think this is a good opportunity to control what [is built] there.”
Members of the board got into a heated exchange with Mastriana regarding the replatting of the property, because Mastriana submitted the application as if the plan were for two separate lots. He said he has gone through the process of dividing the lot in two, but it has not been officially recorded.
The board failed to reach a decision on Mastriana’s application for conditional use of the property and agreed to meet again Aug. 28.