Linn subdivision proceeding under new ownership

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 11/11/21

Development of a new subdivision in Linn, just south of Hwy. 50 and west of Hwy. 89 North, is proceeding under new ownership as Matt Lee of Mox Properties took over the project from Caleb …

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Linn subdivision proceeding under new ownership

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Development of a new subdivision in Linn, just south of Hwy. 50 and west of Hwy. 89 North, is proceeding under new ownership as Matt Lee of Mox Properties took over the project from Caleb Bax.

“I’m very excited to get this project going again,” said Lee, a local builder who has lived in Linn for the last 11 years. “There are very few single-family housing opportunities in Linn so this is a necessary project. It’s been more than 30 years since the last subdivision was built here.”

Bax originally gained approval from the Linn Planning and Zoning Commission in June 2020 for several variances, including a rear lot setback of 10 feet. Currently, Linn’s standard rear setback is 25 feet. The board also granted a variance for the utilities easement of 50 feet, which includes the roadway. The current standard utilities easement is 60 feet.

These variances were approved contingent on feedback from the Linn Utilities Superintendent Larry Fredrich, which was subsequently positive.

Lee noted that the original plat is the same and the variances remain in effect.

“We haven’t changed anything,” he added. “So far, everything is going well.”

A house at the Hwy. 89 side of the development was razed and a road is currently being built at the entrance to the subdivision.

Homes will be a minimum of 1,500 square feet, and a third will have brick fronts. All are designated as single-family homes with 90% of the homes having basements.  There will not be any rentals, student housing, or duplexes. 

“We have maintained the base requirements that all builders will be required to follow,” said Lee. “While this provides a standard, each builder will have the freedom to develop their homes based on their style. This subdivision represents a quality of life. There will be no cheaply built homes in this subdivision.”

Lee said it’s important in a subdivision to create a theme without making every home uniform in appearance.

“These will be affordable, very nice homes,” said Lee, noting the cost for most homes will be about $250,000. “Some will be on one level and many will have basements. It will be a unique blend of styles in one subdivision.”

The project will be broken down into three phases, with the first phase including 33 lots. At this time, six or seven lots have been sold and Lee anticipates the first phase will be completely sold by the end of 2022.

In Phase 1, in addition to the first street being roughed in, sewer, water, and electric infrastructure will be installed. Lee said the hope is to have all of this completed by next spring.

The main street accessing the subdivision will be 32 feet wide, including curbs. Linn ordinances require a 31-foot wide street. The side streets are planned at 29 feet with curbs and the city requires 28 feet. Planning and Zoning Commission members agreed there was no variance needed for the size of the streets but Lee said he plans to make the streets extra wide to accommodate additional parking.

Footings for the first home have been poured and Lee plans to develop a spec house to set the tone for the subdivision.

“I hope to have it completed by the time the road is finished,” said Lee, who plans to add a community area and concrete sidewalks throughout the subdivision. “I hope to build five homes per year.”

Once 80% of the lots are sold in Phase 1, the second phase will begin, and the same will be true for Phase 3.

Most of the lots are just over a third of an acre, with bigger lots specifically in the second and third phases.