By Peg McRoy Glover
Despite strong opposition from the Danville Citizens for Responsible Development, the Danville Town Council approved the rezoning of the Miles Farm west of town to a planned unit development at its May 19 meeting.
This rezoning paves the way for D.R. Horton to begin developing a neighborhood with 958 residential units, 112 acres of open space and a 36.5-acre neighborhood business park.
Attorney Mike Andreoli, representing the Danville Citizens for Responsible Development, said that these residents believe that this process is backwards. He pointed out that the town’s current master plan is antiquated and the current process for development is not user friendly with regard to community input.
“It is fundamental to have a master plan that is viable,” said Andreoli. “What you get with that is community input, perception, opposition and ideas. Go through the master plan update first and then develop the town to the master plan.”
Danville resident Greg Black noted that development to the west of Danville is inevitable and likely that growth will continue west for years to come. He believes how the council handles this first development will set a precedent.
D.R. Horton attorney John Moore said because the council approved this development, the town will have certainty about how that land will be developed. D.R. Horton has worked with the plan commission and has agreed to all of the requested concessions.
The council sent this rezoning request back to the plan commission last month to formalize D.R. Horton’s changes. It came back before the council with those changes and carrying a favorable recommendation from the commission.
It was approved by the council with a 4-1 vote, with councilmember Chris Gearld dissenting.
Miles Farm homes will be priced from $250,000-$450,000. This development is expected to take 10-12 years to complete.