DOTHAN, Ala. — Community members filled the Civic Center to find out more information on a proposed plan for a new apartment complex in town.
“Not quite two weeks ago, three homeowners in our subdivision received a letter that notified us a proposed development would be coming into the land behind us,” said Lisa Lee, a homeowner in the Odom wood subdivision.
Homeowners found out that the proposed apartment complex is a low-income housing tax credit development, and that’s causing concerns for these residents about lower property values. but the planning director said that’s not so.
“Property values, you know, that is frequent referring from people who are concerned about the construction of any multifamily complex; the fact that this is low-income housing tax credit project kind of exacerbated that,” said Todd McDonald, Planning Director for the city of Dothan.
Mcdonald also said this housing project has maintenance aspects built into it that don’t normally exist, but homeowners of Kelly Springs North and South said they did not receive notifications from the city. Instead, they found out from word of mouth by neighbors.
“I’m very upset that they were not willing to listen to the people that live in the neighborhoods,” Shannon Mcgonegal said. “We had very valid points and very valid concerns. This is my family, my forever home, and this is going to impact all of us.”
“I’m completely disappointed with the planning commission’s decision to approve this apartment complex that is going in nearby,” Her husband David Mcgoneal added.
With the plans approved in an 8 to 1 vote, members of the community are still concerned with how this will affect traffic, safety, and property values for their forever homes.
