Judge approves Highland townhomes; City halts similar projects

(Daily Herald) Days after a judge ruled that a controversial Highland townhouse project was a go, Highland has placed a moratorium blocking similar subdivisions.

In December, planning commissioners here approved 160 three-story townhomes after being told by city staff they had no other choice. Council members decided to fight the decision and filed an appeal. Late last week, a judge ruled that according to city law, the Planning Commission indeed had no choice but to approve the subdivision.

"We are pleased as punch," said Nate Hutchinson of Flagship Homes, the developer of the Toscana project in Highland. "We are getting ready to build."

Physical construction will begin in March and the first townhomes will be ready by the end of June, he said. They will be priced in the $170,000-$200,000 range.

"The median home price in Highland is $430,000," he said. "We feel we will be bringing a nice affordable product."

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