36 Unit Development Near Miami Concerns Residents

Inez Friend has lived in this neighborhood off M street for 34 years.

Friend says, "I was raised in the country and that's the reason I live out here because I felt like I was in the country. There are deer, and even fox out here."

And almost everyday she sits out front in her lawn chair to enjoy her 20 acre view.

Friend says, "We have animals over there that we all enjoy..we spend a lot of time out in the evenings."

And the thought of her everyday scenery changing from this to this....concerns her.

Friend says, "It's a dead end street. We don't have no traffic, construction noise, we're just not used to that.  It's always been quiet, peaceful."

There are 8 homes on this street and all the neighbors that live here don't have a lot of nice things to say about the proposed building going up next door.

Friend says, "None of them are for it...so there will be probably several houses that will go up for sale."

But Ottawa County Commissioners approved the 36 unit low income housing development yesterday.

Commissioner Gary Wyrick says, "They have 2 to 4 bedroom...2 car garage."

Gary Wyrick says he understands how neighbors feel, but he says with this development there's nothing to worry about.

Wyrick says "There will be 24 hour management...the yard will be upkept, it will be a well kept community."

Still neighbors are doubtful.

Friend says,"They say it won't but to me it will bring down the value of our property."

The developers say they planned on 45 homes but they are now starting with 36 units.

These buildings will be rent- to- own.

The development will include a library, a children's playground, and even a picnic area.

City leaders will decide next week if these housing units will be able to hook up to utilities from Miami. Developers plan to start construction in about 2 years.