“There’s been talk (over the years),” said Township Administrator Barry Tiffany. “But these are obviously very serious — they’re moving forward.”
Both could be formally approved by the end of the year, according to Tiffany. The larger subdivision is planned on the west side of Upper Bellbrook Road, north of Big Tree Road. Tiffany said 191 houses could eventually go in on 115 acres of land and would be called the Landings at Sugarcreek. Home prices are expected to start around $300,000.
The other subdivision would be on the east side of Little Sugarcreek Road, south of Swigart Road. The Berryhill Estates could encompass 98 houses on 69 acres. Homes there would also likely start around $300,000, according to Tiffany.
For Berryhill, the Oberer company would serve as the developer and Ryan Homes would be the builder. Hills Land and Development would develop the Landings at Sugarcreek. Inverness Homes would serve as the builder.
The last subdivision built in the township was the Kable’s Mill subdivision, which was started in the early 2000s. It boasts more than 300 homes and crews are just finishing the last phase of its build-out.
“Since 2008, things have changed and it’s going to be a slower process than it used to be,” Tiffany said.
The plan for Berryhill Estates has been granted preliminary approval. Plans for the Landings at Sugarcreek have gone through the regional planning commission and will go before the planning commission in Sugarcreek next month.
James Lusk, who lives off of Upper Bellbrook Road, said some in the area have concerns about the development. The back of his property butts up against the land that could eventually become the Landings at Sugarcreek.
“It’s going to be good for the business in Bellbrook but for the people it’s not going to be that good,” he said.
Traffic concerns are among his biggest worries, but Rusk also said that this would represent the most change he’s ever seen in the area. He’s lived in the same location for 20 years.
“It’s fine as a farm field,” Rusk insisted.
Tiffany said both communities will be preserving natural areas and there will be open space. Very few if any trees are expected to be cleared. There will also be a buffer between houses and the road.
“The challenge is always to preserve what people like — what they see on their way in and out of the community,” he said.
About the Author