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Down comes Moon Mountain eyesore

To the applause of neighbors who fought to stop its illegal construction, the weathered structures at Highway 12 and Moon Mountain Drive – the so-called Moon Mountain Villas — are torn down.

The new owner, KS Mattson Partners LP, plans build two new primary residences, with second units. “These new homes will be much more carefully designed to work with the landscape and enhance—not detract from—the local aesthetics,” said spokesperson Tim Sloat.

Construction of the Villas has halted last year when the project manager was found to be working illegally as an unlicensed, non-insured contractor.

In April, as the incomplete structures sat neglected, a group of neighbors brought their numerous concerns to County officials.

The setback from Highway 12 was questioned, as was the height, footprint of buildings and status of adjusted lot lines. A letter signed by 30 nearby residents questioned why permits were issued without insurance certificates on file with PRMD from either the builder or owner. Numerous mature and healthy oak trees protected by County ordinance were destroyed as well, they said.

Sloat said the new owners, who acquired the property in September, “have no relationship with the previous party who was originally developing these properties, nor with the scam-artist ‘contractor.’”

“This is a fresh start, with a great professional team and seasoned ownership,” he said.

The company is working on conceptual site plans and building designs, and will submit these to the planning department for review in the coming months.

“We hope County and our neighbors will give us the benefit of the doubt as to our intentions and capabilities,” Sloat said.

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