Planners again OK Habitat homes

It's now up to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors to decide whether a 10-home subdivision gets built in the historic Brown Grove community.

This month the Planning Commission recommended approval -- for the second time in less than a year -- for the proposed homes off Ashcake Road.

Seven of the 10 homes would be built by Hometown Realty and priced between $225,000 and $260,000. Two others would be built by Hanover Habitat for Humanity and would be available for families that meet the organization's eligibility requirements. One existing home on the property would be renovated.

The houses would be a minimum of 1,144 square feet.

The board heard the case last year but sent it back to the commission after Brown Grove residents and those in the neighboring Cheroy Woods community voiced concerns.

Board members will hear the issue at their Feb. 25 meeting.

Opponents of the plans have said that Ashcake Road can't handle any more traffic because it's too narrow and floods when it rains. They've also said the nine existing Habitat homes in the Brown Grove area are enough, and that clustering more lowor moderate-priced homes there is unfair and would increase crime.

David Maloney, deputy planning director, told the Planning Commission that the developers will extend public utilities to the area and will be required to make drainage improvements along Ashcake Road. The new homes would produce 86 additional vehicle trips per day, or 9.57 trips per residence.

"In no way has the staff identified a lack of infrastructure" because of this project, Maloney said.

Planning Director Michael Crescenzo said the project provides affordable housing and fits with the county's comprehensive plan.

Beaverdam Supervisor Aubrey M. "Bucky" Stanley said some of the concerns he's heard have been addressed in the newest proposal, including the buffer area between the new homes and the Cheroy Woods neighborhood, and drainage improvements along Ashcake Road.

Stanley said he understands the concerns about clustering lowor moderate-income homes.

He said providing affordable housing in Hanover is a challenge.

"I believe the board will probably pass this," he said. "I think enough has been done that it can be passed."

Contact Holly Prestidge at (804) 6496945 or .