December 21, 2019

Mallory Herrmann
citydesk@lstribune.net

The planning commission has recommended approval of a new preliminary development plan for the Estates of Chapel Ridge residential development.

Matt Schlicht of Engineering Solutions, LLC presented the plan to the commission last week, outlining the addition of 31 townhome lots, a reduction of the total single-family lots and the elimination of three culs-de-sac in the neighborhood near Interstate 470 and Woods Chapel Road.

Schlicht says that a neighborhood meeting at the Lakewood Club House drew about 30 participants and that their biggest question was why the change.

Mike Atcheson, the developer, noted that the area had seen plenty of growth – right up until 2008. Since then, residential development has been slow. With gaining popularity of villa-style and maintenance-free homes, Atcheson said they wanted to bring those amenities to the Estates of Chapel Ridge.

Questions about density and parking were also on residents’ minds, though no one spoke either in favor of or in opposition to the project during the planning commission’s public hearing.

“Everybody seemed to be on the same page about where we’re headed,” said Schlicht. “They liked the idea of getting something done and getting it kind of completed in this phase of development.”

The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval by the city council.

Commissioners Carla Dial and Dana Arth were absent from the Dec. 12 meeting.