Residents’ voices must be heard on Fountains application in Howell

My husband, Howard Carpenter, is a lifetime resident of Howell. He was born and raised on his family’s farm on Estelle Lane, which has been deeded to the Estelle family since the 1700s.

We were married in 1960 and built our home in 1966 on a 1.5-acre parcel of his grandparents’ farm next door to his parents. Our two children were as fortunate to be raised next door to their grandparents as my husband was being raised near his extended family. My daughter purchased my mother-in-law’s home after her death and is now raising my grandson next door to us. So, the legacy of our family goes on for another generation.

Some residents might have a hard time envisioning what the impact of The Fountains apartments will be on the community of Howell. To help them visualize what 348 families on this 58 acres will be like, start by taking away the approximately 33 acres of wetlands and buffer zones. Then subtract another 2 acres for two pools, two clubhouses and two maintenance buildings, and that leaves approximately 23 acres for use for apartments.

Then divide 348 apartments by 23 (the total acres of dry and buildable land), which leaves you with a total of almost 16 apartments per acre.

If you are a resident living on a quarter-acre property, envision having approximately four families and eight cars sharing your lot, assuming each family owned only two cars each.

Double that to more than eight families and 16 cars if you are living on a half-acre lot.

Those living on a comfortable 1-acre lot, envision sharing your property with approximately 15 other families and more than 32 cars. Where would you have your pools, barbecue grill and family parties?

And residents who have invested in those lovely 6-acre lots, at the same density as The Fountains you would be surrounded by 96 families and at least 192 automobiles, again assuming each family owned only two automobiles. Of course, we all know as the children of these families become teen-agers and start driving, the number of automobiles will increase dramatically.

I respectfully ask the Planning Board, how comfortable are you with this vision? We need every resident of Howell to be at each and every Planning Board meeting on The Fountains.

Don’t let The Fountains become a reality. This will open the door to many more apartment complexes and high-density building, which is not in the best interest of our community.

Carol Carpenter

Howell