By JESSA LEWIS
6 News Reporter
JEFFERSON CITY (WATE) - Plans for a new subdivision in Jefferson County have some neighbors upset. The plan to build a new Habitat for Humanity neighborhood could mean 15 new homes for those in need.
When the Jefferson County chapter of Habitat for Humanity was looking to purchase its next build site, the group received a donation of land where they could build more than a dozen homes.
Habitat has had a hard time finding affordable land for new homes, with the land sometimes costing one-third of the home's market value. Those prices make the homes less affordable for future homeowners.
But according to the organization, it's already faced opposition to building the new development.
"I think probably it's a misconception on the part of some people about who Habitat is and what we do. We try to build quality homes and affordable homes, and the families pay a mortgage," said Habitat board member Anne Phillips.
Habitat planners also look at the existing neighborhoods before they decide which type of homes to build.
"We're already in the process of looking at particular house plans that will fit in there. They won't all look the same, but they will be similar, make sure they are similar to the surrounding neighborhoods so there won't be a blight upon the community, and I think that's one of the things people are concerned about," Phillips explained.
The non-profit is also working with the city to have the land annexed and be a part of the city's utility district. That process takes about four months.
"It's state law that they have to go through the same process as any other subdivision would have to go through. So they'll go through the same process as any other developer. They're considered a developer," said Jefferson City Building Inspector Tom Jones.
First, an engineer will have to draw the infrastructure plans for the new neighborhood.
Habitat for Humanity hopes the first house will be completed by the end of this year.
Habitat planners also look at the existing neighborhoods before they decide which type of homes to build.
