After a lengthy discussion that included a public hearing and concerns voiced by a representative of Pyles Addition Property Owner’s Association at the Mineral County Planning Commission meeting, a provisional approval was issued for phase-two of the preliminary plat for Creekside Manor, a new development site in Fort Ashby.
Geoff Green, engineer for the development, which is located off of Dans Run Road and adjacent to Pyles Addition, presented updated maps to the Planning Commission. He said part of the development is located in the floodway fringe, but lots will be built above the base flood elevation by adding fill to the property.
This information brought Fort Ashby resident George Spiroff to the floor with a letter to the Commission about the “possible negative effects” of the new development on Pyles Addition.
Spiroff noted, “We have no animosity against the developer of Creekside Manor” as he issued a concern from the residents of Property Owner’s Association about the water backup from the raised elevation of the new development, in addition to a re-routed drainage ditch.
The property owners want to be assured that the amount of fill brought into the new site will equal the amount removed, plus the concern of the drainage ditch becoming a mosquito breeding ground.
Kolin Jan, a member of the Planning Commission, gave an example of “what ifs” dealing with the protection of neighboring homes with flooding.
Green stated, “I have undertaken textbook procedures and followed FEMA directions to prevent any flooding on upstream neighbors.”
Jim Kinnamon, developer for Creekside Manor, was in attendance at the Planning Commission meeting and spoke about providing needed housing in the area with the new subdivision.
“We are bending over backwards to do the right things. We are not here to hurt Pyles Addition, but give improvement. We desire to do something good for the community,” Kinnamon stated.  As part of the provisional approval, Green will present documents to the Planning Commission showing that a two-to-one ratio of the cut and fill dirt is taking place within the development.
Included in the document will be verification that the drainage ditch will be maintained by the developer until homes are constructed on the lots, at which point a homeowners association will take over the ditch.
On another matter of business, the members of the Planning Commission did approve the final plat for phase one of Ashby Crest Subdivision, also located in Fort Ashby.
County Planner Scott Clay stated that Cabin Run, the developers of Ashby Crest, has “accomplished all infrastructure requirements” for the subdivision.
Another item of discussion of the Planning Commission was advanced by Commissioner Wayne Spiggle, who asked the question, “Where do we get an adequate water supply for the true housing sites in the county?”
In answer to Spiggle’s consideration, Clay stated that before final plat approval can be given, “A necessary written document from the Public Service Commission to show that enough water is available will be reviewed.”
Clyde Burdock, serving as the president of the Planning Commission mentioned that many large industries in this area, as PPG, that no longer exists, “used billions of gallons of water and that amount is not now being used,” noting that approval of housing sites are approved “with water sources we know we have.”