By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Barton County Commission approved the Hidden Hills Estates subdivision plat in Claflin as developers are preparing to construct new houses. The planned development touches the northwest corner of Claflin that covers between 70 to 90 acres, according to Barton County Environmental Manager Judy Goreham.
Two years ago, the developers approached Goreham to figure out what their options were if they wanted to put in water wells and septic systems or make smaller parcels.
"The city was no longer interested in annexing," said Goreham. "They are still going to provide the public water to them but they are not going to annex the development. We had to punt and figure out what the new plan would be which is they all have to be at least three acres for them to have septic systems."
The City of Claflin held a public hearing for the development on March 6 and heard no opposition. Over time, the developers went from a 22-lot project to 14 lots for new homes.
"These are going to be nice homes," said Goreham. "They're all going to apply for the neighborhood revitalization. That will all come into the tax roll at some point which is going to help the rest of the people in Barton County with their tax burdens."
Goreham said Claflin officials are excited that the development will free up other homes that will be for sale, a chance to grow the town.