Community Meeting Discussion Summary
Planning for Old Forest Village
Community Meeting
March 11, 2015
Summary of Participant Comments/Questions
The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the project, Old Forest Village, and its developer, Rush Homes, to the neighborhood. This will be a new construction development, including 28 units of single story housing for people with disabilities and low incomes.
Comments and questions from participants included the following:
Address: The project’s current address of 2516 Old Forest Road likely will change because the physical location is not Old Forest Road.
Response: Agreed.
City
Easement: The City of Lynchburg presently owns an easement that extends from Anthony Place to Old Forest Road. Discussions are underway to turn this into a sidewalk to provide Old Forest Village residents access to bus service from Old Forest Road. Suggestions were made to develop this easement into a road versus easement, connecting Windemere Place to Old Forest Road. This might allow greater access for emergency vehicles. Alternatively, it might be less safe for pedestrian use. Additionally, it might increase traffic into the area substantially.
Response: All suggestions and comments will be included in ongoing discussions with the City of Lynchburg regarding the easement and its future use.
Traffic: How much additional traffic is expected? Will there be access for emergency vehicles?
Response: Based upon experience with similar projects, it is likely only approximately 50% of Old Forest Village residents will have their own vehicles on site. Often, residents are picked up and dropped off so these vehicles are parked elsewhere and do not enter or exit the project every day. It is not expected this project will place any undue burden on area traffic. The ingress into and egress out of the project will be developed to accommodate emergency vehicles.
Population
Density: The property is currently zoned R-2/R-3, Low-Medium Density Single-Family Residential/Medium Density Two-Family Residential. Will this zoning need to be changed to accommodate the project?
Response: Yes, Rush Homes will request the property be re-zoned to R-4, Medium High Density Multi-Family Residential. This proposed zoning would allow a maximum of 21.78 units per acre of property. The site contains 5.16 acres. While not all of this land is buildable, the area that is suitable for development would support more than Old Forest Village’s proposed 28 units even under the present zoning. Under the proposed zoning a development much larger than the planned 28 units would be permissible. Rush Homes intends to limit the development to 28 units. Please keep in mind as well that the maximum bedroom size in Old Forest Village is two. This, also, will tend to minimize population density versus what is allowable.
Demolition: Will there be a need to purchase any homes and demolish them?
Response: No, the development will include all new construction.
Resident Mental
Stability: Concern was expressed regarding the mental stability of residents.
Response: Rush Homes will manage Old Forest Village, once complete. We have experience developing and managing housing for individuals with disabilities. In doing so, we stay close to tenants and their needs. In the past behavioral issues have not presented any substantial challenges with neighbors and/or other tenants. Rush Homes is looking into the possibility of funding a residential support coordinator if this does become an issue and/or it appears help with tenant stabilization would be particularly useful.
Participants are encouraged to visit Victoria Ridge and/or Armstrong Place Apartments, two Rush Homes developments with resident populations similar to the population planned for Old Forest Village. We believe you will find the apartment buildings are very attractive and well maintained, and that both residents and neighbors are pleased with the housing.
Tenant Application
Process: Are prospective tenants vetted?
Response: Yes, prospective tenants will be required to fill out an application, provide references, and submit to a criminal background check. While Rush Homes must abide by fair housing laws and regulations, there is an admission process and tenants must comply with requirements set forth in written lease agreements to remain in the housing.
Home Values: Concern was expressed that the new development would cause neighboring home values to plummet.
Response: This is not expected according to studies that have shown the addition of affordable housing does not negatively impact nearby housing values. Please keep in mind as well these units will be well constructed, attractive, and maintained in good order by Rush Homes.
Cost: Is the funding available through Low Income Housing Tax Credits sufficient to finance the entire cost of the project?
Response: No, Rush Homes already is in the process of applying for additional financing through City of Lynchburg and Commonwealth of Virginia HOME funding, Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) funding, and grant funding.
Sewer
Issues: Concern was expressed that the City of Lynchburg already visits the neighborhood frequently to work on some type of sewer issue(s). This should be looked into for any impact upon Old Forest Village.
Response: Agreed; this will be included in future discussions with the City.
Wooded
Buffer: It was commented the wooded buffer that will be left undisturbed on the back side of the property is positive for the residents and neighbors.
Response: Agreed.
Site Plan: Can a more complete drawing of the site be provided?
Response: Yes, the site plan provided for the meeting is conceptual and preliminary. As the plans are more fully developed, updated drawings will be made available at the community planning website, www.rushhomes.wix.com/old-forest-village.
Additional Community Planning
Meetings: Will there be additional community planning meetings for Old Forest Village?
Response: Yes, we anticipate at least one additional meeting, which likely will be scheduled for late Spring or Summer 2015.
