Published: September 26, 2007 10:11 am            

Domes bound for Dawson?

Developer explains project for residents

DAWSON — About 40 Dawson residents gathered in the town’s Park Pavilion Monday for what was billed as a “town hall” meeting to hear about a proposal to build 20 “dome homes” in land adjacent to the cemetery.

The project’s purpose, according to David South, president of the Monolithic Dome Institute in Italy in neighboring Ellis County, is to provide affordable, safe housing for the area. The “domes” proposed come in two sizes, 20 feet and 32 feet, and rent on a weekly basis, much like motels or hotels, and as such are able to bypass a number of regulations regarding apartment and home rental property.

Questions posed during the town hall meeting ranged from screening procedures for proposed residents to motivation for choosing Dawson as a site for the project. South is proposing to build on land he purchased from Paula Sears, Dawson’s mayor, in a private real estate transaction. The land’s proximity to the cemetery was of concern to some, fearing trash would accumulate around the homes and blow onto cemetery land.

“It’s a good location on a major highway ... close to my operation in Italy,” explained South of his desire to build in Dawson. He said that all prospective applicants are screened for criminal backgrounds and the sex offender data base, but that no particular income or age guidelines are specified in their occupancy agreements.

South says his Italy development, which began five years ago, has been successful with 75 units and 100 percent occupancy “with a waiting list.” The dome homes in the Italy facility rent for $75 to $100 per week, rates he expects will be similar in the Dawson project.

Quizzed about a planned expansion of the Italy dome project and why it had not happened, South explained problems getting water and sewer across railroad property to the proposed development stopped the planned growth.

One resident, Cecil Sanders, circulated a flyer at the meeting with several photos said to have been taken at the Italy “dome home” community, showing several residents sitting at a table outside the home drinking canned beverages. He said in the original photo, it was clear the group was drinking beer, although that detail could not be made out in the handout.

“I’m not against him building here,” said Sanders. “I just don’t want him building next to the cemetery.”

With water and sewer already run to the development site, and no planning and zoning restrictions in place to prevent him from building the “dome” community, South said he plans to begin construction on the first of the domes in November.

South’s company builds monolithic dome facilities of all sizes and uses, including athletic facilities now operating in both Italy and Avalon.

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Bob Belcher may be reached via e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com

        

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