The property that local developer Dave Ohmer wants to buy from the Petersburg Borough is seen here roughly marked by a patch of barren trees nestled between residential homes, the new hospital project site, and Haugen Drive. Ohmer says a potential driveway would access Haugen, and some residents have stated safety concerns for having young families as potential tenants of the potential rentals.
The Petersburg Borough Assembly has reversed its previous decision about an application to buy borough-owned land.
Dave Ohmer is a local developer who wants to purchase two lots on Haugen Drive to build housing rentals. When the borough assembly initially considered his application in July, Ohmer stressed the need for more housing in town.
"It's endless, the people that need homes in Petersburg," Ohmer told the assembly on July 21. "For a young family, it's virtually impossible to get into a home right now. We're stuck. We are stuck. Thus, I'm asking you to allow me to negotiate with the [borough] to be able to add additional housing for the community."
But Ohmer's application failed during that meeting with a 3–2 vote. Then-assembly-members Scott Newman and Donna Marsh voted against it, in part citing safety concerns of having young families as potential tenants living on a high-traffic street.
Ohmer remained interested in purchasing the property.
Assembly member Jeigh Stanton Gregor requested that Ohmer's application be reconsidered, and on Oct. 20, the assembly unanimously agreed to allow it to move forward, proceeding by direct negotiations between Ohmer and the borough manager. The terms they arrive at will return to the assembly for final approval.
Public testimony given before the vote again raised safety concerns about the property's location on a busy road. Petersburg's new mayor, Bob Lynn, concurred, but added that he thinks that can be worked out during the sale negotiation process.
"I'm sure that's going to be discussed between the manager and Mr. Ohmer," said Lynn.
Assembly member Stanton Gregor said Ohmer's project makes sense, and stressed the importance of getting more housing for the community.
"We are very, very short on housing, affordable or otherwise," Stanton Gregor said on Oct. 20. "I think it's the right move if we, as the assembly, are serious about trying to help the housing crisis. I think we need to step up and do our part to do that."
Assembly member Rob Schwartz, who was excused from the July meeting, said he echoed Stanton Gregor's comments.
"I've gotten a lot of input from the public on this, and they're two enthusiastic thumbs up, as far as getting this done," Schwartz said.
A 2023 survey found that the town needs over 300 more housing units in the next decade. Two newly-elected assembly members - Jeff Meucci and Bob Martin - campaigned on wanting to address the local need for housing. They swore into office at the beginning of the meeting.
The assembly approved Ohmer's application in a 6–0 vote. One assembly seat remains vacant, pending appointment during the next meeting in November.
Ohmer was not at the Monday night assembly meeting because he was traveling abroad. In a text to KFSK on Tuesday, Ohmer said, "I am very pleased the Assembly showed this support for more housing in the community."
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