Builder wins approval for Spring@Walnut plan
Posted by David Boraks on November 16, 2006
The Town Board on Tuesday night approved developer Rodney Graham’s plans for a nine-unit project off Walnut Street called Spring@Walnut (EDITOR’S NOTE: This development name has been changed to Davidson Springs).
Graham, of John Marshall Custom Homes, agreed to save trees on the site as a condition of the approval. In an email message this morning, town planning director Kris Krider said: “The developer is required to acknowledge each tree on the plan that shall be saved and not disturb an area within the drip line per ordinance requirements. Further, a mitigation plan will be described for those trees which must be removed for the development.”
Previous plans had included eight units, but the final plan approved Tuesday calls for nine new units on three existing lots near the intersection of Walnut and Spring Streets.
Town board member Margo Williams said this morning that she asked for the tree mitigation plan. And she said we in the neighborhood can help by keeping an eye out on work there. Here’s what Williams said in an email message this morning:
Everything that is written as a note on the final plan document has the force of law. The developer has to follow the notes to the letter. However, it is crucial for neighbors to keep their eyes on the construction, much as you have done with South Street, in general.
Our staff cannot be on site every minute and things can happen fast with vegetation. I have a lot of confidence in this particular builder and I think that he will act in good faith. It’s just a good idea for neighbors to be watchful. Perhaps, you all can familiarize yourselves with the trees that are to be saved and take a look every now and then to be sure that the developer is sticking to the plan.
Through some recent hard-won experience, I have had it driven home, again, that neighbors are key to monitoring site activities. Because one neighbor called me about abuses in clearing a site, we were able to stop the construction before too much permanent damage was done. Without her call, I wouldn’t have known that I needed to intervene. (Margo Williams email)
Davidson’s town planners have said they believe the project fits into the neighborhood and surrounding developments already under construction, including the nearby Walnut Grove development as well as the townhomes under construction on South Main Street.
For previous items about this development, click on the “Spring@Walnut Development” at right. For maps and other documents submitted in September, read the item “Developer plans 8 homes at Spring & Walnut.”
