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.
I think metal built houses are better anyway its less upkeep and they will last longer. And I cant believe people have a problem with these nice brand new homes and not a problem with some of the homes about to fall down around town.
You can bet this landlord/ developer wouldn’t want these next door to her. These are rentals built to make money, period. Concentrate cheap rentals in any given area and you invite elements into a neighborhood of homeowners who will bear the brunt of the issues that come with them. This was zoned under the guidance of our previous city manager. Our current city manager would have had restrictions placed on the properties. He would know the city and county cannot avoid the loss in revenue when owners of the normal homes in area get reductions in home values. Not everyone can afford 200 to 300 thousand dollar homes, especially in this cheap labor area, and the owners of the normal homes in this affected area do not appreciate the attitude of people who have not walked in their shoes.
I agree that any building regulations should have been in place at the time of the sale of the land. I’ve seen these homes and they look nice. Taxes are too high in some cases and people need an alternative. I don’t think the building material is what matters, it’s rather or not it’s maintained. Brenham could stand to have some areas cleaned up rather the building is new or old, small or large and no matter what the outside is built of.
Something needs to be stated about how energy efficient these metal houses can be, the reflect the summer sun and retain the heat in the winter, I know, I live in one in the county.
My electric bill is very nice. We should push these metal houses as “green” for energy efficient and less trees if any to build, depending on interior.
Ms. Medve is a great landlord and this is the best home where I have ever lived. The indoor living of my home is very comfortable and my utility bill is very affordable in my efficient home. My home does not deserve the criticism from the city planner and her followers. It is ironic that the city built and sold these lots without standards that other neighborhoods have. If the city planner did not want a metal exterior then the city planner should have had standards like other neighborhood builders. Home builders and property owners should not be penalized because the city planner wants to appease her followers.
the city should quit taxing people out of the brenham. people want to stay home. if this is more affordable leave them alone.