The project was resubmitted with revisions in 1998 and 1999, but the denial was upheld. Bill Maston, principal architect for the Kerns' home, said that many of the neighbors have taken issues out of context. City Engineer Ola Balogun agreed, saying the ordinances are discretionary. Many neighbors disagree with Maston. Residents feel that the proposal was allowed at the July 12 Planning Commission meeting because of the recent shift in leadership.
Neighbors are even more concerned about safety.
Lysbeth Goodman, a mother and resident of the town, is afraid that a fire at the proposed house could spread and consume the entire hillside before fire trucks could make their way up to the precipitous ridge. She and other neighbors have already established a petition against building on the ridge. They also plan to have a strong presence at the council meeting on Aug. 17, when the approval by the commission will be appealed. Neighbors are just as adamant. Toni Rittmaster and Darryl Deaktor, whose home overlooks the ridge, said that building the house there would be criminal and set a disturbing precedent.