Two developers made presentations to the Crothersville Town Council at their regular meeting May 7. The council was all smiles about one and cool to another.
Brian Arnholt proposed to construct houses at 204 Walnut Street, a double lot at the corner of Vine & Walnut Streets.
He proposed putting 10 mini homes on the lot.
He said they would not be mobile homes but 12’x24’ prefab house on a traditional foundation.
“A lot of people who need a place but can’t afford to buy a new home,” Arnoholt told the council. “I’m not trying to half-way anything here but I want to get the most out of (the lot). I’m not looking to be a slumlord.”
“I’m all for housing in town and I think everyone else sitting up here is as well. But the tiny homes you propose look like a shed, which is basically what it is. I am not sure about ten sheds on a lot,” said councilman Chad Wilson.
A quick online review of the town’s building requirements indicate building lots must be 6,200 square feet and each home has 65’ of road frontage on a public street. Only one dwelling can be placed on a lot.
Arnholt said he could go to the state for their approval to put the 10 rentals units at the location.
“If you do not meet the town’s requirements that would require a licensed mobile home park,” said councilman Jamy Greathouse. “I’d prefer you put two homes on those two lots.”
“We do have a need for housing but I’m not sure about these little houses,” said council president Terry Richey. “Please keep us informed on your plans.”
Floyd County Developer Chase Murphy, owner of Murphy Homes, proposal was met with a more warm reception.
Murphy is proposing to construct 25-30 homes on a 4 acre parcel in the 500 block of North Armstrong Street (US 31). He said homes would sell between $175,000-$225,000.
Homes would be in the 1,200 to 1,300 square feet range, Murphy said. He said the development could take up to five years to complete, depending on the interest and how quickly the homes sold.
“What makes this location attractive for us is that you don’t have the same constraints that we face in Clark or Floyd Counties,” said Murphy. He said it has sometimes taken over a year to get all of the required permits before construction can begin.
“If I’m reading the tea leaves right we may be able to get this project going by summer,” he said.
“This is very exciting,” commented Wilson. “Please move forward and keep us posted.”