Neighbors of a 12-foot-tall generator, installed in Wesley Heights without review by the Planning and Zoning Commission, may not have to see it any more after its builder withdrew an application to legitimize it Tuesday night.
The city’s building department had mistakenly issued a permit for the generator to United Methodist Homes, bypassing the panel. But zoning officials later asked United Methodist Homes to submit the generator plans for review.
“We’re asking the commission to accept withdrawal without prejudice,” said Robert Congdon, vice president of development and public relations, told the board at its meeting in City Hall, citing neighbors’ complaints about their view of the generator.
“We are determining the technical requirements to move the generator,” he said. “Wesley Heights is committed to working with the Planning and Zoning Commission and the neighbors.”
He vowed to refile a proposal after meeting with neighbors.
The Wesley Heights apartments are part of a 39-acre complex called Wesley Village, which has rental cottages, apartments and an assisted living facility. The whole site is owned and managed by United Methodist Homes, and Congdon has said the average resident age is mid to high 80s.
But a condominium complex – The Views of Long Hill – juts into a portion of the 39-acre Wesley Village campus, sitting on land United Methodist Homes used to own, he added.
The generator is needed to power a pump that assists the complex’s fire sprinkler system, but it would not run all the time, according to Congdon. It would also power essential electrical equipment, including residents’ oxygen units, and help prevent blackouts by reducing stress on the power grid.
Congdon has said the generator would likely run during 15-minute tests each week, during 30-minute monthly tests and when the apartment complex loses power, Congdon said.
