Exeter Continues to See Small Growth in Home Building

Houses are being built along Visalia Rd. and the Exeter Golf Course, where 10 lots are developed in a small gated community called Little Lane. Nancy Vigran/Valley Voice

Two Exeter developments that have been on the books for some time are finally seeing houses being raised. Exeter Golf Course owner Steve Maaske sold some of his land on the north side of the course 12 years ago, with course-view housing in mind.

A few years prior to that, Maaske had visited an Oregon golf course, where housing was developed down the middle of it. He liked the idea, albeit not in the middle of the course, he said. But rather of having houses not only lining the course, which is done in Exeter along Pine, Fairway and Belmont streets, but also to become somewhat active with the course itself.

“It’s been ready and waiting to develop for years,” he said. “It just took the past 12 years to happen. It’s very nicely planned out.”

Last year, Cathy Tantau purchased all the lots as a group. She started right in on the plans with three options available, each approximating 1900 square feet.

“My son encouraged me to buy this because it’s a good project,” she said.

Tantau has never been a developer, nor does she plan on any others. She, herself, will have one of the 10 homes on Little Lane. The two houses currently being built are already purchased. The community is gated with an entrance through the golf course parking lot and an exit onto Visalia Road.

While not marketed as a senior community, she said, so far it is turning out that way.

“It’s going to be a really fun neighborhood,” she said.

Indeed, Maaske said he would entertain the thought of having, perhaps, monthly barbecues with the residents, as well as other events. He also suggested that the new residents are welcome to utilize the golf course’s parking lot for their guests.

An additional development has seen work along F Street with two cul-de-sacs called King Court and W. Sequoia Court for a total of 12 new houses along with one exitingdevelopment, called Rocky Hill Haciendas. It is bordered by the railroad tracks on the west and agriculture to the north. The developer/owner of the property was not available for comment, but a flyer for the property indicates semi-custom and custom homes will be priced from the $300,000’s.

These are “small signs, but not explosive growth,” said Greg Collins, Exeter City Planner. “Exeter sort of likes their growth to take place slowly and carefully.”

There are a couple of other larger developments that have been approved, Collins said. One is located at the northeast corner of Vine St. and Elberta Rd. with more than 100 units. A second is on Visalia Road west of Belmont with 60 to 70 units. Neither has seen any physical work begun to date.

Use your voice

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *