Within the next few days, Senoia should see ground broken on its first “open space” subdivision.

The council approved a new subdivision on Rockaway Road Monday night that features the new zoning category that allows smaller lots as long as 25 percent of the green space is preserved.

Council members had debated the issue for nearly two months, but finally approved the preliminary plat this week.

The biggest bone of contention was Councilman Robert Hannah's suggestion that the developers should provide a traffic island at the entrance.

“It's just better for beauty and safety concerns,” he said.

After reviewing his options, the developer agreed to widen the entrance into the subdivision to 28 feet, but without an island.

The subdivision features 55 homes on 26 acres, with six acres of the total reserved for green space.

By a 3-2 vote, the council approved the first reading of an amendment to the city's zoning ordinances to provide for an open space zoning category.

Throughout the debate, Senoia Mayor Joan Trammell has argued that this type of development is in the best interests of the city.

“I want more green space and to keep more of our trees. Developers will only be getting 10 percent more houses under this proposal,” she said.

The open space zoning also requires developers to keep open space 50 feet around the perimeter of the development.

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