By Deb Murphy
“We did extensive market research,” explained Bob Kingston the developer of a proposed 15-home subdivision off Home Street in Bishop, currently the site of Bishop Nursery. “The subdivision fills a definite need,” he said in a phone interview Tuesday.
The City’s recent Economic Development Element to its General Plan identified the lack of housing as a challenge. “That’s why we decided to move ahead,” Kingston said. According to Kingston, another lack in Bishop is consistent neighborhoods, a gap he feels the subdivision will fill. “It’s going to be a well-done, landscaped and consistent neighborhood….” targeting young families or down-sizing retirees.
The only current specifics on the housing applies to the six lots that back up to Rome Drive. At the July 13 City Council meeting, the majority of the opponents to the subdivision lived on Rome Drive, citing too many houses for the 2.75 acre parcel, habitat issues, Home Street traffic, noise and loss of quality of life for existing neighborhoods. According to Kingston, the lot widths in his development are similar to the six lots they back up to on Rome. The homes planned for those lots will be one-story single-family residents, approximately 1,800 sq. ft. “Those homes will be one-story out of respect to the existing residents on Rome,” Kingston said, noting that the Rome Drive residents are set at a higher elevation than his subdivision.
In terms of pricing, Kingston said the homes will be at “market value.” An unscientific search of homes for sale within the city limits turned up two, both smaller footprints, priced between $240,000 and $390,000. Some of the project opponents feared the development would be “low-income homes,” but that need has yet to be filled in Owens Valley.
A second public hearing will be held at the City Council’s Aug. 10 meeting with Aug. 15 the deadline for written comments. Kingston will be at that meeting.
I guess I don’t understand people….we live in an area bereft of new development, which is the lifeblood of most communities. We live in an area with NO JOBS for our children. Adults here work minimum wage jobs, yet rent for a small 1 BR apartment equals 60% of a… Read more »
Development by itself is not going to create a viable economy. Development should be functional. Development should supply resources needed to do things that support the local economy. Like a business campus where small businesses can start easily and grow. But that presupposes people with purposeful ideas about products and… Read more »
This is a great article about reforming education. The precepts outlined are those things that helped me start and continue my education. I don’t know where I would be now if I hadn’t had help from cheap government loans for school. I don’t agree with many of the points of… Read more »
Is something I said wrong? Did I lie about anything in my previous post? Low inyo, trying to be the funny guy, instead of arguing my previous comment. I stated fact, and everyone knows it . ‘Plunder and Decipt’ by Mark Levin is something you should read. Government is out… Read more »
I’ve tried to argue you several times, pointing out where you are factually incorrect, and you haven’t provided me a reasonable argument yet. Just more rhetoric about subsidized housing. Now in this instance, you’re totally right. The largest employer in the area by far is government. But, I ask you… Read more »
TOURIST TRAP High Water!
High Water…Again,gotta say if your so angry and unhappy in Bishop and the Owens Valley,why do you live and stay here ?….move…..maybe to Beverly Hills….no “subsidized housing” there….and my bet is very few “illegal aliens ” to complain about either.
Low-Inyo: Good question! If you don’t like the place where you live; do you stay and try to make it better or do you run away to another area to take advantage of the work others have done to make their area better? This is the same question asked and… Read more »
Interesting that you think there are no illegal immigrants in Beverly Hills….who do you think is working in all those high end establishments??
Of course this is subsidized housing! The only people who can afford this are govt. Employees. Lol!! ? Von’s has there prices set in bishop as a tourist town. This isnt a tourist town. This area is only alive because its number one employer is govt. County of inyo Cal… Read more »
I work for the county and after all of the pay cuts, no cola’s or God forbid a raise for over 5 years. I couldn’t afford this. Can’t afford to buy groceries here either. Everyone I know goes in to Nevada for food, gas and medical care. Just wanted to… Read more »
According to your employers website and looking at everyone’s salary, I would say compared to your civilian counterpart, depending, if your job has a civilian equal, I would say your doing very well. And since your salary is dependent on TAX DOLLARS, i would argue that taxpayers have the right… Read more »
No I personally do Not have a civilian counterpart and I agree, My salary is paid by tax dollars and I serve the public faithfully, however I am a human being, with feelings and opinions. I will do the very best I can for you, I will leap to the… Read more »