Kenwood Neighbors Concerned About Proposed Townhomes

DULUTH - A proposed townhome development is causing controversy in Duluth's Kenwood neighborhood.  At Tuesday’s planning commission meeting, neighbors argued against the new development, and the commission decided to hold off on the vote until they can get more information. Many neighbors echoed each other in their concerns, but the developer said his proposal is the future of housing in Duluth. Tuesday evening, council chambers filled with people living in the Kenwood neighborhood who are fighting to keep the townhomes out of their backyards. Green Capital LLC is proposing a six unit high-end townhome building on the corner of Mississippi Avenue and Lyons Street. The homes will be rentals and have three to four bedrooms. Neighbors argue the land and the roads surrounding the lot are too steep and will be impossible to build on. "More bedrooms enables packing more people into each unit,” said 16-year Kenwood resident Frank Wanner. “Increasing the strain of the neighborhood for traffic, parking, and safety and once again fundamentally altering the tapestry of that particular neighborhood." They also said rental properties in their neighborhood decrease the value of their homes and increase traffic on roads -- essentially making it unsafe for people already living there. People living nearby believe the townhomes won’t fit the neighborhood because it’s mostly single-family homes. Multiple neighbors also commented on the wildlife living in the area, and how a new development will take away green space. "Obviously it will be developed they were open lots and lots get developed,” said developer Jason Ross. “We're trying to do our best here to be a good neighbor.” Thanks to the amount of public comment, the planning commission decided to hold off on voting on the new townhomes until they can get more information. The planning commission will learn more about the new townhomes, and take up the topic again on Sept. 9. However, the commission did approve plans for a new Hampton Inn and Suites near Miller Hill Mall.  The new hotel will have 91 rooms and go behind Texas Roadhouse near the intersection of Central Entrance and Mall Drive. Details are still in the works, but construction is set to start fall of 2014. Another new development that was voted on during Tuesday’s meeting will be happening on London Road and 21st Avenue East. The commission voted to allow a new Burger King and Caribou Coffee in the now empty lot. Additional details are being worked on, but construction is also set for fall of 2014.