After Some Opposition, Clifton Pointe Development Approved

It’s been several months since the folks behind the Clifton Pointe project proposed expanding the multi-million-dollar townhomes across Sloane Avenue to the property of the former Irish Cottage.

The city has hosted lots of public meetings in the meantime to discuss the zoning change required to build “Phase 2” of the development.

The plan first had to pass the gauntlet of the city’s planning commission, architectural board of review and the board of zoning appeals. 

Some of the meetings were heated. Residents of the nearby Clifton Park neighborhood showed up to share concerns, with exchanges that sometimes turned awkward.

Among the concerns during the process were the usual suspects: increased traffic, pedestrian safety, and concerns over the height and design of the structures.

After recommendations from all three of the city’s boards and commissions, city council followed suit on Monday night approving the proposal after two previous readings.

Construction of the five “classic modernism” style townhomes is expected to begin later this summer, with the project expected to wrap up in early summer 2014.

About a half-dozen of the nearby residents showed up to oppose the measure.

“My neighbors and I have shared our concerns several times,” said Kevin Brown, a resident who lives nearby the proposed townhomes. “The developers have ignored our concerns, and the city ignored our concerns. This has been a very disappointing process.”

Lake Road resident Solvita McMillan echoed Brown’s concerns, and said she believes the proposal could negatively impact the property values of the Clifton Park neighborhood.

“This project should be guided by the welfare of the residents,” she said. “There has been unlimited deference to the wishes of the residents.”

Council passed the measure unanimously, with the exception of Ward 2 councilman Tom Bullock, who was absent from Monday’s meeting. 

“As a resident of Clifton Park, I do take your concerns very seriously,” said at-large councilman and council president Brian Powers. “I’ve never seen anyone not take their jobs very seriously on these boards and commissions.

“Obviously, this didn’t go your way… but I have deep faith in these people and their ability to be able to do their jobs.”

Dru Siley, the city’s director of planning and development, said the city has “worked hard” to address the neighbors’ concerns.

“There’s been so much review of this project,” said Siley. “I think it’s a good redevelopment of a vacant and abandoned property and a nice complement to Phase One.”

With first phase of development reportedly sold out, Abode Living is working on plans to build additional units on the property most recently occupied by Irish Cottage.

The gift shop specializing in Irish gifts, closed several years ago. It’s been vacant since.

That building, as well as the structure just to the north, would be demolished to make way for the five new townhomes.

Andrew Brickman of Abode Living recently to Lakewood Patch that buyers are already lining up.

“We’re thrilled with the success we’ve had with Phase One,” Brickman said. “It will really anchor that whole neighborhood.

“It’ll help the property values and it will bring in many new families.”