Dealing with the benefits and challenges that residential growth can bring hasn’t been an issue at the city of Dearborn in recent years.
All that could be changing in the not-too-distant future.
A development company known as DJMJ LLC, who recently purchased the old Dean Park and surrounding lake property from the city of Dearborn, has plans to put in what could become a major housing division in the coming years.
“The first phase will include 25-30 homes,” said Bob Wagers of DJMJ.
But Wagers indicated the project won’t stop there.
“This could eventually double the size of the town,” he said.
Since the city now has 251 water meters in service, doubling the size could mean building at least that many residences.
The development group is looking to purchase additional adjacent land. There are hopes, some reports have indicated, that the project could get as big as 300 homes over a period of years.
In more immediate terms, Wagers said by August or September of this year his company hopes to be digging basements for the first 3-5 homes. How fast the 25-30 homes in the first phase are developed depends on how quickly the homes/lots are sold, Wagers said.
Wagers, of New Market, appeared before the Dearborn Board of Aldermen Monday night to update the city on the project and to outline infrastructure needs.
“We’ll need to get sewer to our line,” he said.
Aldermen responded positively.
Alderman Louis Buntin assured Wagers the city will be cooperative.
“We’re going to provide you with all the services you need at the minimal cost to (the city),” Buntin said.
The project is on the north end of town, near the county line that separates Platte from Buchanan.
“We will bring the sewer line to your west property line, end it at your main street and you can feed it off from there,” Buntin said.
“We’ll want to work with your engineer. We will have the line there when you need it. Stay on top of us,” Buntin advised Wagers.
If the developers acquire nearby property, some of that land may sit outside the current city limits. Frank Downing, Jr., sworn in as Dearborn’s new mayor Monday night, indicated to The Landmark that the city will consider annexation to ensure that services can be provided to the entire development.
City officials have assured Wagers that the current sewer plant is large enough to handle the development project.
Wagers said as of yet there is no name for the coming development. He said it’s possible a naming contest involving students in the North Platte School District could be held, with the student coming up with the chosen name earning a $50 cash prize.
City leaders hope the residential growth that the project promises to bring could lead to commercial growth as well. Buntin said when he moved to the Dearborn area in 1969 there were 38 businesses in town. Only a few operate there now.
Dearborn’s current population is estimated at around 540 residents.