Columbus Town Council approved May 21 a motion to draft an agreement to extend utility services on Shuford Road for a proposed new six-building apartment complex.

The complex, headed by Karaman Properties, Inc., has to now be presented before the town’s planning board before developer Michael Karaman and his team can begin preliminary planning. He believes that could possibly happen in June.

According to Karaman, the complex will consist of 18 units, each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Although Karaman has not determined rental costs for each unit, the apartment complex will not be for low-income families.

“These units are going to be spacious and, if we were to think reasonably and conservatively, the complex should be completed within 18 to 24 months once we finish planning and approving everything,” Karaman said. “Overall, it’s going to cost about $1.5 to 2 million but it should be a big win for the town of Columbus.”

No renderings or conceptual drawings have been presented by Karaman Properties, Inc. to the town at this time, according to Karaman. Karaman plans six buildings on 2.3 acres. Each unit will be an estimated 1,250 to 1,400 square feet.

“Once the board approves the agreement between the town and the contractor, he can begin the preliminary work like engineering work, site preparation and acquiring permits,” said Town Manager Timothy Barth.

James Smith, the town’s Public Works director, said extending the water line further down Shuford Road will be necessary in order to construct the new complex.

“It’s going to go beside Ridge Oak and that’s past the Kentucky Fried Chicken so we will have to extend the water line to that point,” said Smith. “In my talk with Michael Karaman, they might also have to add a new pump station on the property to get the sewage to get to one of our other pump stations. They are going to take care of the cost of all of that before turning it over to the town.”

As part of the agreement, Karaman and the town negotiated on fees for utility extensions to the new development. Karaman Properties, Inc. will pay the town $60,000 for water and sewage connection fees while the town intends to pay $40,000 for the new extensions that will be established, according to a town council memo prepared by Barth.

Duke Energy will be providing electrical service for the buildings, according to Smith.

According to Karaman, he and his team will oversee the implementation of utilities for the property as it is being built.

“From what I understand, we are going to run water to the front of the property and all of the water lines to the property,” Karaman said. “The sewage lines will also be run to the property and tied into the existing sewage lines and pump station. I have to pay to run water to all of the units and then the town of Columbus will put in meters. We’ll take care of the work and any expenses associated with the work.”

The apartment complex will generate monthly income as occupants fill each unit, according to Barth.

“There will be utility connection fees that the developer will have to pay for the units. The connection fees far exceed the amount the town will be paying for its share of utilities,” said Barth. “As the units fill up, the town will begin to get a utility payment from each occupied unit each month. This will be ongoing monthly revenue.”

By Michael O’Hearn