Olivieri will construct to build new homes on Franklin, Washington streets

Olivieri Management will continue its work to beautify the community when they begin construction on two new houses in May 2013.

The Mount Pleasant Planning Commission approved the razing of two existing houses at 1018 S. Franklin St. and 1028 S. Washington St., and the construction of new houses at those locations.

Commissioners were concerned with the property at 1018 S. Franklin St.  because of the code enforcement history from the past five years. Since 2007, the house has received 23 violations, typically related to trash or inside furniture being placed on the lawn or porch.

In reviewing the plan before it came to the commission the Zoning Board of Appeals asked for implementation of stricter lease provisions.

Joe Olivieri told commissioners that the leases for their tenants are already strict.

“As far as lease provisions, as I’ve explained in the past, our leases are tight as they can be by law,” Olivieri said. “Our hands are bound by law and we can only do so much.”

Olivieri said the office works hard to enforce codes by fining those who do not comply with city ordinances and terms of the lease.

The new house on Franklin Street will also have a feature not common for student houses — a garage. The site is required to have 12 parking spots, but Olivieri has planned for 12.

“The real challenge is that the site is so small and it just worked out that the garage was a way to meet our parking needs and space requirements for our tenants,” Olivieri said.

The house at 1018 S. Franklin St. will be 5,900 square feet, while the one at 1028 S. Washington St. will be 7,524 square feet. Each of the houses will be able to have 10 occupants after previously being licensed for nine occupants.

The Washington Street property is leased to His House Christian Fellowship.