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A City Council decision to reject a housing development proposal is being challenged by the developer.

Earlier this month, Gaylord’s City Council said no to a revised plat proposal for the property directly west of the stormwater pond.

Meadow Wood Builders, which purchased the land from the City four years ago, has been unable to sell homes initially planned for the 15-acre parcel. In attempt to move homes at a faster rate, the developer has revised plans.

For the past four months, Meadow Wood Builders representative Jeff Hennon has worked with the City on the revised proposal. It includes smaller lot sizes than originally planned but similar size houses.

In conjunction with the plan, Meadow Wood Builders would participate in a government program for the development of the property. According to City Administrator Lonny Johnson, this program would assist low income individuals in acquiring home ownership through financial incentives.

Because Meadow Wood Builders’ revised plan did not comply with the City’s general zoning requirements, special permission is required, Johnson explained. That request was denied on a 3-1 vote by council members on May 2nd.

Too crowded and not the right spot for such a development. Those were among the reasons council members gave for rejecting the revised plat design. It was also reported that homeowners already established in the development were opposed to the revised plan.

Following the City Council’s rejection of the plan, the City received a letter from an attorney representing Meadow Wood Builders, according to Johnson. He said Meadow Wood Builders is taking the position that the City doesn’t have the legal right to deny the request. Johnson would not reveal any more details from the letter.

Hennon was present at last week’s City Council meeting and was given the opportunity to speak. The letter speaks for itself and we’re prepared to move forward, Hennon said.

In a closed meeting Wednesday, council members directed City Attorney Doug Nesvig to review the issue, according to Johnson. Nesvig is expected to report back to the City Council by the June 6th meeting or earlier.