Adult community open to all

In bid to sell lots and complete roads, developer asks for change HAMBURG — At a Monday night meeting, Hamburg Mayor Paul Marino and the Council approved a bill that lifts the age restriction from the 55+ adult community, Ballyowen Bluffs, located on Gingerbread Castle Road. Lorterdan Hamburg Development, LLC, developer/owner of the Bluffs, requested that the restriction be repealed to attract homebuyers of all ages and thereby receive the revenue needed to finish development. This will allow anyone 18 and older to purchase a home at the Bluffs. Residents of the community aired their opinions Monday night. Some felt it is unfair to change the restriction because that was what attracted them to buy a house there in the first place. Others liked the idea of having a chance to revitalize the community with the lifted restriction. “Anything that can be done to finish the community is beneficial,” said Bluffs resident Irene Kennedy. Empty lots Currently, seven homes are occupied out of 67 lots in the community; 53 are empty lots; and seven unfinished homes. The last home purchased was on Nov. 14, 2008. “The final paving of streets will not be done until construction is completed, so the sewer covers cause an obstacle course around the loop,” Kennedy said in an e-mail. “Additionally, there is a big “step up” getting into our driveways; final paving will raise the street significantly. We have wood boards by the driveways so small cars — like my Prius — don’t get whacked entering and exiting the driveway.” Lorterdan notified property owners by certified mail on Dec. 1 about the plan to lift age restrictions. Time for change “Unfortunately, ‘maintaining the course’ has been unsuccessful and, in fact, will likely lead to the ultimate demise of the property. A day-to-day existence mired in boarded-up homes, overgrown weeds, unfinished amenities, and slashed home values will indeed be hazardous to our collective psychological and economic health,” wrote Robert D. Jackson, managing member, Lorterdan Hamburg Development, LLC, in the letter. “The good news is that we have a plan and the resources to revitalize the property in 2010 by maintaining it appropriately, finishing the unsold inventory, and completing the clubhouse and pool.” Jackson said out of the seven families at the Bluffs, four families are in favor of the change; one is undecided; one opposes and one family could not be reached.