Concerns raised, but housing project approved
Staff writer
Hillsboro approved the plat of its Orchard Ridge development project Tuesday, though not without a bit of pushback.
Tony Hill raised concerns that the development, which will include 24 affordable housing units along Orchard Dr., would negatively affect the city’s drainage system and flood nearby properties.
“You’re building the street in the drainage and utility area,” Hill said. “You’re not allowed to re-route water to push it on someone else’s property.”
Darin Neufeld of EBH Engineering assured Hill there would be sufficient inlets that rainwater could flow into. Neufeld emphasized the project’s legality.
“A street is allowed in the utility area,” he said. “It’s a private street, not a city street.”
Neufeld said two- and three-inch rains would not negatively affect drainage on Orchard Dr., though he noted heavier rains could have an effect.
“The cost to handle a five- or six-inch rain anywhere is more than anyone can stomach,” he said.
Byron Adrian, chief executive of Mennonite Housing, also defended his company’s project.
“We’ve ensured it’s developed so that the water will not affect neighboring properties,” Adrian said. “So far, we have not had any issues.”
Hill also spoke about issues with flooding farther south on another property he owns.
Mennonite Housing, which is building Orchard Ridge development, estimates the cost at $8.9 million.
The council approved an ordinance that established the development as a reinvestment housing incentive district, as well as a notice to sell the property.
City Administrator Matt Stiles said farmland around Orchard Dr. would remain usable.
“The way you access it changes,” Stiles said. “You won’t be able to drive through it. But on the north side, there’s still access.”
Also discussed Tuesday was Hillsboro’s ongoing attempt to build a new fire station.
The project is facing federal roadblocks.
“Our representative that was assisting us at USDA Rural Development is no longer with the organization,” Stiles said in a note to council members. “Her last day was after our last meeting. I’ve followed the directions on how to reach out to USDA but have not heard back yet. … The uncertainty at the federal level is creating chaos on moving forward with financing or grant funding.”
Stiles said he was trying to find somebody from Kansas who still worked in USDA Rural Development. If not, the city may look at different financing options.
“It’s sort of stuck in this limbo,” he said. “We’re going to keep moving it forward, though.”