BUILDER OFFERS INPUT ON METAL HOMES IN BRENHAM
The builder of a set of controversial metal homes in Brenham has weighed in on the city’s potential decision to prohibit such types of housing.
City officials met at last week’s Planning and Zoning meeting to address a complaint submitted by citizen Susanna Leonard, regarding the residential use of metal buildings.
Assistant Development Services Director Stephanie Doland said the city has heard multiple phone complaints over the matter, but the only formal complaint was filed by Leonard, who did not attend last week’s meeting. The complaint called for the city to look into possibly prohibiting residential use of metal buildings over 120 square feet in residential zones.
Samantha Medve is the owner of the metal homes under construction at South Dixie and Cornish Streets, and the completed building on Hampshire Drive, off of Old Mill Creek Road. She said she purchased these lots from the city, has followed all code and standards, and owns the correct permits.
Medve said there is a great need for affordable housing in Brenham, which was made clear at the city’s town hall meeting in January.
Medve said she also wanted to bring in new housing types that hold up longer and require less maintenance than usual houses. She said over time, the value of these homes won’t decrease because they will retain their look.
Medve added that building and development costs, along with land values, have all gone up over the years, but construction costs of metal homes are comparable to other types of homes.
Medve has lived in Washington County for a year and a half, living in Carmine beforehand. She has worked in Brenham for five years.
Speculation has arisen regarding the possible sale of a five-acre lot behind Meadow Brook Lane, with some saying it could be used for further home development. When asked about that lot, Medve said she had nothing to do with that property.
Doland said the city has had multiple inquiries regarding the property, but she could not confirm if the land has sold. She said the property has not been platted, and no one has filed for a permit for it.
City officials will meet again on February 25th to further discuss the matter at the Planning and Zoning Commission’s next meeting, set for 5:15 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.