New housing unit nixed at Seneca street corner

Seneca has once again deemed unsuitable a housing development on 4.5 acres near the 123 By-Pass.  It’s the second time in four years the city has said no.  The city planning staff last night recommended against a zoning change, and the planning commissioners followed Ed Halbig’s advice with a unanimous vote of denial.  At Short Street and Mountain View Drive, property owner Charles Theivagt requested an RM-16 zone, but 81% of homeowners on Mountain View signed opposition petitions.  Many of them filled the chambers of city hall.  Barry Duvall, planning chairman, said, “No facet to this request makes sense right now.”  Right now could be a key phrase, as property owner spokeswoman Adrienne Hennes, a local realtor, told the meeting that her side likely will re-format the project by requesting a (PDR) a planned development residential zone).  For now, however, the planning commission vote is advisory to the city council.  Neighbors opposed to new housing in their midst believe it would likely add further litter, increased traffic, and result in a de-stabilizing of their single-family area.