UPDATE: An urgent proposal to annex 183 acres in Haverhill Township has triggered significant concerns among local residents. During an informational meeting on October 24, 2023, nearly 60 neighbors voiced their apprehensions about the development plans for a mixed residential community dubbed Hadley Valley, located east of Hadley Creek Golf Course.
Residents are particularly alarmed by the lack of township oversight in the development process. Steve Pollack, a board member of Haverhill Township, confirmed that the potential for such development has been known since the late 1990s. However, the current plans do not require township approval due to an existing orderly annexation agreement with Rochester, which streamlines the approval process once a developer requests to add the property into city limits.
The preliminary plans, submitted by Farmland, LLC, propose the construction of 177 single-family homes and 28 fourplex lots. Adam Pleschourt, an engineer from Widseth hired for the project, noted that these plans are still in flux, indicating that developers are exploring options for a mix of smaller and larger homes.
“They are also looking at some more narrow lots to try to get a mix of smaller houses and larger houses,” Pleschourt stated. “None of this is final; this is all just kind of looking at what is possible.”
Residents, particularly those in the neighboring Connemara development, have raised serious concerns about the potential for increased housing density, traffic congestion, and environmental impacts. Concerns are amplified by the fact that approximately 70 of the 183 acres will be developed for residential use.
In an effort to address these community concerns, Pleschourt revealed that a traffic study and an environmental review are currently underway. These studies will be submitted with the general development plan, providing residents with opportunities to voice their concerns in upcoming neighborhood meetings.
“The thought behind it is to have a diversity of housing,” said Craig Britton from Widseth, emphasizing that all homes, including the proposed townhome-style fourplexes, are expected to be for sale. He added that the development plan will include parameters for future construction, which could potentially alleviate some local fears.
As the proposal moves forward, it will require several approvals, including review by the Rochester Planning and Zoning Commission, and ultimately, approval from the Rochester City Council. Officials anticipate that construction could begin as early as late summer 2024 if the necessary approvals are granted.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged, as the initial review process allows for continued public input. Pleschourt reassured attendees that future meetings will provide additional platforms for community feedback.
With the future of Hadley Valley hanging in the balance, local residents are urged to remain vigilant and actively participate in the ongoing discussions surrounding this development. The potential impact on the community could be significant, and many are anxious about what the future holds.
