Deer Run Subdivision in Beulah: How did 50' Lots Get Approved?

A series of events began back in 2007-2008 that control and delineate what size lots will be allowed to be constructed at Deer Run in Beulah.  Read the facts below....

A legitimate question was raised by a citizen regarding the 50' lot widths allowed in various locations within the currently-under construction Beulah Subdivision known as Deer Run.

"How could this happen when the 50' lot widths do not meet the current code?" was the essence of the question from this individual.

So I asked staff to research this and they have provided the chronology of how this happened and the legitimate reasons why this occurred.

Some believe that I personally am responsible for all the growth out in Beulah.  Some that are really completely and totally out of touch with reality espouse the fiction that 5000 homes have been built in Beulah in the last 2-3 years "Since Bergosh was elected commissioner."  Of course this is not true.  The truth is the lion's share of the development that we are all now living with out here in Beulah (because I live here too, since 2004)--- was approved before my tenure on this board began in late 2016.

These 50' lots in Beulah at Deer Run are a great example.

Look at staff's chronology of the events that led to this approval, much of which took place more than a decade ago.....

Deer Run Subdivision in Beulah: 10 Questions Asked and Answered

What are the facts surrounding the allegations leveled against the  Deer Run Subdivision in Beulah?

There has been a significant level of scrutiny applied to the Deer Run subdivision currently under construction in Beulah.  There were issues with the holding ponds, and there were issues with wetlands clearing and sediment infiltration.  A group of the neighbors asked for me to host a meeting with them and the developer at the property--which we did.

Now, a sweeping list of 10 allegations has been made against Deer Run's developer.  I have relayed the concerns expressed in this email blast with BOTH the developer and with staff.  For staff, my request was simple: run these allegations to ground and tell me if there is any truth or substance to these allegations, and we will go from there.  When I spoke to the developer's representative--he was exasperated.  "Jeff, we are doing everything we said we would do, we are complying with the consent order and fixing the ponds.  If there is something else we need to fix, we will fix it!"

So late this week I received back the answers to the questions that were posed, which I am going to publish below.  Here is my position on this matter:  Everyone must abide by and comply with our LDC, to the letter of the ordinance.  If they do, and they have approved plans, then they can and should be allowed to continue to build.  If, on the other hand, a developer does not do as is specified in the code--there should be appropriate sanctions and a delay in approvals going forward.

to me it is very basic and simple.  Do what's right, get your permits and carry on.  Cut corners or worse--don't comply--and you will not be moving forward.

According to staff and from their assessment of the 10 allegations presented, it appears as if this developer is doing as requested and as expected, but by all means judge for yourself by reading the 7 pages of questions and answers below: