The Newton City Council took a curious vote this week which could stymie development at the former country club — a location in which the city has already heavily invested.
Last March the council purchased 4.25 acres of land on the north side of the former Newton County Club for $106,000 with the intention of spurring the Cardinal Ridge townhome development. Since that time the council has also approved a $711,000 contract to construct a road and utilities for the subdivision and another $30,000 in surveying and infrastructure design work.
These investments seem worthwhile in securing an estimated 18 units of the much-desired townhome living Newton is lacking. The Cardinal Ridge subdivision meets a critical housing need.
As our economic development leaders work to secure developers for the townhomes, concerns about the former clubhouse became a reoccurring theme. Given the concerns, a proposal in which the clubhouse would be donated to the city was presented — and subsequently shot down by council.
Citing concerns about the existing day care, a building which is not included in the donation, the idea was rejected.
We feel this idea needs a second consideration. The existing businesses within the clubhouse are open to relocation, as is the day care operator who indicated the potential ongoing construction in the area would hinder its business.
When project developers cite concerns about a project in which city-funded incentives are provided, council should take notice. Further, the recommendations of the leaders working on the project should be more carefully examined.
We urge our economic development team to resolve any valid concerns raised at Monday’s meeting and get this proposal back on the agenda. City council should accept the donation and bring Cardinal Ridge and other future developments to fruition.