Brandermill neighbors meet with townhouse developers
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Bayhill Development Corp. met last Thursday night with neighbors of the 60-acre proposed townhouse development tentatively named Bailey Park across from Swift Creek Middle School. Though construction will not begin for at least a year, the zoning case is scheduled before the planning commission on Apr. 17.

Bailey Park's construction schedule is dependent on when Brandermill Parkway is extended westward across Old Hundred Road. The extension is needed to reach the replacement for Clover Hill High School that's currently in the design phase in the southwest quadrant of Genito Road and Route 288. The county bond issue, which partially funded the new school, includes monies for extending the parkway.

For safety purposes, Bailey Park's second access will be near the front entrance of the adjacent Old Hundred Mill community to the south. Development attorney Jim Theobald said he believes residents of Old Hundred Mill are more likely to use the road in order to access the traffic light that's expected to be put at the intersection of Old Hundred Road and Brandermill Parkway.

Bailey Park will have 300 two-story townhouses, many with garages. Theobald estimated that today's starting prices are in the low $300s, but that price will probably increase because homes may not be ready to sell until 2009.

"It's a townhouse community for empty nesters," he explained - meaning first floor master bedrooms and no amenities for children. "It's a good transition from single-family to the school."

In addition to Old Hundred Mill, Brandermill homes are nearby.

"The intended use meets the comprehensive plan," said Principal Planner Jane Peterson.

The developer will pay the full cash proffer of $15,600 per townhouse and is proffering landscaping that will screen the back of the development from view along Old Hundred Road and the Brandermill Parkway extension. The Environmental Engineering Department says there are no drainage problems on the site.