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These are a few of the proposed sample homes for Jaycee Park and Kiwanis Park. This project has not gone before the City Council to be approved.
New home development plan proposed

By Carolyn Marnon Because the park is already platted, The homes would be slab homes;
Community members gathered at people who buy homes there will be they would not have basements. Con-
the Wayne Public Library recently to maintaining their own space. An- ceptual drawings were shared with
listen to Steve Schafer of Schafer De- other asked what would happen to the audience showing nice one and
velopment present his proposed the new play structure that was put two-level homes with attached
plan for new homes to be con- in at Jaycee Park; it would be moved garages. Each park project plan
structed on property he is interested elsewhere. shows 22 60-foot lots. Storm and
in buying in the City of Wayne. The The biggest concern residents sewer systems would run under-
two parcels of property are currently seemed to have is losing the green ground behind the houses. There
known as Kiwanis Park and Jaycee space the park currently provides. would be ample side lots as the
Park. Several times the subject of the de- homes range from 20-38-feet
Residents who live within 300 veloper keeping some green space in frontages. The homes would range in
feet of the parks had the opportunity the development was brought up. It price, depending on size, from ap-
to discuss with Steve the proposed was noted that Kiwanis Park users proximately $130,000-150,000.
development, ask questions, and could just cross the street to Maintenance of the parks has
voice their concerns. He wants peo- Attwood Park. Mr. Schafer’s tone been an ongoing issue for the city as
ple to have correct information seemed to change slightly with green city officials have worked together to
about what his plans are. “We feel,” space at Jaycee Park. It appeared find solutions and cost-cutting meas-
Steve told attendees of the first meet- there could be more of an opportu- ures to address the city’s financial is-
ing, “Wayne, with its proximity in nity for residents to get the re- sues. Steve said the parks sale is
Wayne County, is a place for young quested green space in that “not a windfall…but you’ve got to
families to afford homes.” development. Steve stressed, how- start somewhere.”
The two parks are currently up ever, that it depends on how much it Between the two meetings, held
for sale by the city. The City of Wayne, impacts the bottom line of the proj- on consecutive nights, about 40 peo-
which occupies six square miles, has ect. It would be an economic and ple were in attendance. Mayor John
17 parks and 2 walking trails within and new play equipment. business decision on whether to do Rhaesa, Mayor Pro-Tem Tom Porter,
its boundaries. These two particular City Councilman Phil Wagner is it or not. Councilman Phil Wagner and Coun-
parks can be sold because they have concerned that the new homes The homes would be built by a cilman Tony Miller all made appear-
no deed restrictions on them. To be would make the current 1950s national company if Mr. Schafer de- ances.
clear, the parks have not been sold. homes look bad. Steve said the new cided to move forward with purchas- It is important to Steve Schafer
Mr. Schafer is considering the pur- homes would be about 25-50% over ing the park land. He said the that IF he were to develop the land,
chase and wanted community feed- the current market rate in that area, company would build and complete he has the support of the community.
back before making an offer. but this could also raise the value of a home before it was offered for sale. “I want you to understand what we
Kiwanis Park is across from the current properties. Please note This would not be a development are trying to do,” Steve said. He
Attwood Park. All the amenities at Ki- that because of the Headlee Amend- where orders would be taken or a wants community feedback.
wanis Park are offered at Attwood ment, the taxable value of current model home shown and then the If city council were to vote on the
Park. Residents expressed concern homes can only increase by a limited houses would be built. sale of the parks to Mr. Schafer,
about children having to cross Howe amount each year. City of Wayne Community Devel- there would first be a public hearing
Rd. to go to Attwood to play. One audience member com- opment Director Lori Gouin said she process before the council vote
Steve told those gathered that he mented that there were no vacant wants to protect the value of homes where community members would
has been redeveloping property for houses around the parks, something in Wayne. She wants homes to be have another opportunity to voice
40 years. He said the community has that is not seen in other parts of the owner-occupied. She mentioned that their opinions. If Mr. Schafer decides
to grow for there to be stronger pub- city where there are no parks nearby. the city can make it a condition of de- to make an offer on the properties, it
lic services. He does, however, under- Another member asked if there velopment that the homes be owner- would take 5 yes votes from the city
stand that people want green space would be a homeowner’s association. occupied. council to sell the city property.
The Wayne Dispatch · February 2019 · 3