Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | P&Z looks at Grove Park plansBy BEN NELMS The Sept. 13 work session of the Fayetteville Planning & Zoning Commission was met with the questions and concerns of more than 70 residents related to a rezoning request that would lead to development of the proposed Grove Park subdivision on Ga. Highway 314 in the vicinity of White Road and Old White Road. Many in attendance voiced support for having a residential development rather than a commercial development, but voiced concerns over issues such as stormwater runoff, increased traffic, sizes and prices of lots and homes and buffer areas around the proposed development. Several Planning & Zoning commissioners said they would prefer to see a Planned Unit Development zoning rather than the DR-15 zoning being requested. The rezoning request, submitted by developer Scarbrough & Rolader, pertained redesignating approximately 19 acres on Hwy. 314 from C-3 to DR-15 to allow for the development of 60 single-family detached homes, City Planner Eldridge Gunn told commissioners. The City of Fayettevilles Comprehensive Plan Future Land-Use Map designates this site for office development. The proposed DR-15 zoning is a higher density residential development than the Clairmont and Neals Trace communities behind it, Gunn said, but it is a less intensive development than the development that could occur under the present zoning of the property. In remarks to commissioners, Robert Rolader said he was excited about the opportunity to have the zoning designation changed from C-3 to residential, including plans to market the homes to people ages 55 and older. This is an opportunity to create a neighborhood instead of a strip shopping center or a car lot or a convenience store with dumpsters and everything that comes with it, Rolader said. We feel a residential use is more in keeping with the surrounding neighborhoods and with the citys plans. Rolader said the proposed lots, just under three per acre, were expected to sell for $60,000-65,000 with accompanying ranch-style homes selling for a minimum of $250,000. The property surrounds an existing dental office and the applicant proposes to provide a planted berm, along with fencing, in place of the required 30 foot buffer distance between the proposed development and the office. To the west of the subject property, Gunn said, are the Clairmont and Neals Trace subdivisions, zoned R-22. The neighboring property to the north is zoned C-2. The neighboring property to the south, is zoned R-40. To the east, across Highway 314 is zoned C-3 and C-4. Gunn said the current C-3 zoning of the property allows for a number of uses that, although appropriate for fronting onto Hwy. 314, may not be as compatible with the residential properties to the rear of the site. The intent of the applicant, he said, is to provide a step down between the adjacent residential uses to the rear and the potential future commercial uses that would be permitted in the area under the existing zoning. Clairmont Community Association President Alberta Lucas said she liked the idea of rezoning the property from commercial to residential, though she had concerns such as the possible removal of trees along the perimeter reducing the noise barrier, the actual lot-size requirements included in DR-15 zoning and the consequences of stormwater runoff in the area and whether it would be channeled into the Clairmont stormwater detention area. Her neighborhood is already the victim of a lack of oversight for which they have no redress, she said. Were living with that right now, Lucas added. Other area residents mirrored Lucas concerns, questioning the impact of increased traffic a that a 60-home subdivision would generate, the proposed lot size of the development, erosion control issues and buffer requirements. Rolader said the development would comply with city buffer standards of 50 feet along highways and a 30-foot perimeter requirement. Chairman Sarah Murphy told residents that the commission shared their concerns with traffic and drainage issues. Commissioners Bill Talley, Jim Crain and Allan Feldman referenced an alternative PUD zoning for the project. Commissioners also requested that area neighborhood associations meet with Rolader prior to the next meeting to determine if some of the issues and concerns could be clarified or resolved.
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