Tags:
| Updated: 10/05/2011 10:15 pm |
Published: 10/05/2011 8:15 pm |
MAUMELLE, AR - New apartments with what developers call "a mediterranean atmosphere with a villa ambiance" could pop up in Maumelle, but developers have to clear a lot of hurdles first.
Wednesday, FOX16 found out developers put in a re-zoning request with the Maumelle Planning Commission that could change the city's landscape.
Meanwhile, an instructor at one Maumelle business is weighing in on the proposal. Soon, Maumelle Gymnastics and Cheer will leave rented space in the community center for a new building.
"We're really excited. We're moving from about 3,000 square feet to about 10,000 square feet," says Nikki Duke.
To get there, the girls' parents will have to deal with Maumelle Boulevard traffic. Duke says apartments could make it worse.
"The traffic will be a little bit of a headache because it already is that, especially in the mornings, and the afternoons," she says.
Duke also knows the proposed 224 unit "Villa at River Pointe Drive," on ten-and-a-half acres on Counts Massie Road, could mean more business for her.
"That's 200, you know, more families that could possibly come in and join our facility. So, you know, I can kind of see both sides," she says.
"This is the property owner's right to request rezoning. That does not mean that it will happen, but that is their right as a property owner just like a homeowner can make a request to do something different at their home," says Maumelle Mayor Mike Watson.
Developers go to the Maumelle Planning Commission October 27. Right now, the plot of land is zoned R1 for single family homes. They want to change it so that multi-family housing can go up.
FOX16 asked the developers for an interview. They declined, but sent us this statement:
"-Monde Group is a newly formed company lead by architects and other professionals with a long background in design and development. Most Developers come from a leagl (sic) or finance background. We are architects and designers and hang our reputation on what we create.
-This development is about living well in a mediteranian (sic) atmosphere with a villa ambiance. We focus on creating a sense of place unlike most developments that consist of a series of buildings and a list of amenities. We are about creating a place that inspires the residents imagination and provides a high quality of life. That is what sets the propsed (sic) Villa apart from other developments
In the upcoming weeks we will continue to be meeting with residents of the area and meeting with public officials. We are also working on more descriptive images of our vision for this project."
