Isn't That Interesting

So under the file of I told you so, it seems we can file the delay of the Indian Trail Downtown project, not on the council, but the current condition of water and sewer in the county. In an article in todays Neighbors of Union County, Charlotte Observer August 9, 2007 under the headline "Utilities board under pressure" seems that developer Dean Harrell sent a letter asking the board to think about his sewer problems. His letter goes on to describe what he needs for his individual projects. It describes a request for the following:

• One-third each year of the sewer capacity needed for a mixed residential (79%) and commercial property (21%) project in downtown Indian Trail. He says the project has NO SEWER PERMITS.

The letter also outlined the taxvalue of the projects and their benefits to the community.

The county has had sewer and water permits shut down until the 12 mile creek expansion is up and running. At last glance, that expansion is slated to be completed sometime this month and then requires the state to sign off on the project. Only after the state authorization will permits be able to be handed out. No time table has been established for the state sign off, though the county would like it to be sooner, rather than later. After the expansion is completed, the county will have a limited amount of capacity for new projects and the board is still trying to audit the Public works to get an exact extent of needed capacity. This is important, because without the sewer permit, most municipalities won't let a builder break ground to include Indian Trail. Though Centex homes got approval to build last month or so primarily due to the advance payment of hook up fees and an unusual contract they had with the county.

If you have read previous post on this blog you can see I suggested that no sewer was the real reason behind the delay. Not some trumped up hatred the current council has towards this development. Update: The traffic study was received by the Planning staff on August 8, 2007 for the downtown project. It will be interesting to see what the findings are that come of the Traffic study this time.