Neighbors have noticed that the development that started along West Colonial Drive has come to a grinding halt. If you visit the area, you will see three homes started, but stopped when the developer apparently ran out of money.

By June 25, all three had uninstalled roofing material stacked up on the roof. Many windows were broken, and the exteriors are unfinished. Moreover the grass remained uncut, unwatered, and apparently there are open trenches on the property.

According to the City Attorney’s Office, the developer is still responsible for finishing the roadway improvements as conditioned in the terms of the agreement with the City, and has until September, 2008 to complete. If he is unable to complete, the City will pursue recovery of his performance bond to complete the work in full. In the interim, City Street Maintenance crews will monitor the roadway for pavement patching necessity.

However, the City is not the owner of the lots or partially-completed structures. The lender has hired McMillin Development to oversee these properties.

They have cut the weeds to meet fire code. In addition, the Fire Department also had additional weeds removed by their contractor and the bank has already paid the bill, so any fire hazards (related to weeds) have been eliminated. McMillin has also made sure:
• The houses have been locked and secured.
• The broken windows have been replaced.
• The open trenches have been filled, the old foundation trenches/forms/stakes have been removed and hauled off and re-filled.
• The wood pallets and construction debris have been hauled off.

The last remaining item is to install temporary fencing around the homes. They will install this as soon as the modular trailer is removed. Code enforcement will continue to work with the lender and development company to make sure the property conditions are up to code, as well as monitoring the building permits until they are closed and the City will continue to patrol the area. Thanks to Public Works Director Rob Jensen and to Paul Camilleri for their rapid response to neighborhood concerns.