Developer Presents Plans for Townhouse Community at York, Fila
The chairman of Obrecht Properties discussed plans to build an 80-unit townhouse community with the Sparks-Glencoe Community Association.
Tom Obrecht, chairman of Obrecht Properties, a regional commercial real estate developer based in Timonium, attended a Wednesday night Sparks-Glencoe Community Planning Council meeting to discuss plans for a townhouse community at York Road and Fila Way.
Obrecht said the 80-unit community would feature townhomes starting at around $400,000 with two to three bedrooms. He added that the property was already zoned, and the company wanted to build a residential development instead of commercial because it believes that would be more favorable to the community.
"It's the right thing for the site," Obrecht said.
Members of the planning council, however, raised several concerns about the possible development, which Obrecht said would not be built for at least several years.
Among the complaints were fears that the project's success could lead to further development in the area, either by Obrecht or others who own property there, an increase of students in schools that are already at or over capacity, and traffic congestion. The last point was hotly debated as York Road is already heavily burdened with traffic. And, plans for another residential development at McCormick and Schilling roads could further add to the problem.
A few council members also expressed concerns that at $400,000 a townhouse, the development could become a transient community where residents wouldn't develop roots or care to stay long-term. An argument was made that if there were only 40 units for $800,000, potential residents would make more of an investment in the community.
johnny towson
10:39 am on Thursday, September 15, 2011
This is an excellent opportunity for the lessons of the free-market to prevail. Mr. Obrecht has always represented himself as a leader with morality and concern for his community. The Council's desire to influence what is produced at the risk and innovation of the private sector, will only lead to failed execution. The mindset of families willing to embrace enormous debt and mortgages is waning. Quality and less extravagant housing options, in an A location, seems logical and in-step with the cultural changes that are occurring. Here is another example of the private sector using logic and real market knowledge to help shape the future investment and development of our communities and the public sector's reflexive aversion to change trying to curb our spirit. The Fila location has been obsolete and vacant for years. A different approach is healthy. If traffic and schooling are the concerns, don't blame housing as the problem. That doesn't make sense. Government isn't working on our lives, communities and economies. Private innovation and solutions need its chance.