The Tyrone Town Council sent a clear message to developers thinking about developing a tract near Flat Rock Middle School: leave it alone.

For the second time in the last year, the Town Council said no to a development plan for a tract that sits between Flat Rock Middle School and Hopewell United Methodist Church.

“I’ve walked that property many a time, and I just don’t think it’s buildable,” said Councilman Paul Letourneau.

Developer Steve McWilliams was seeking to build up to seven homes on the site that features a ravine and a spring. McWilliams pledged to keep most of the property green and also to build a privacy fence on the property’s border with the school.

“Since it’s right next to a school, I think the property is best suited for residential,” McWilliams said.

Town Manager barry Amos said residential development would be the least intrusive, but added the property was extremely “difficult” since it contained the ravine and a large amount of rock outcroppings.

Charlie Bagwell, who owns an adjacent piece of property, objected to the rezoning, and said any development on the site would destroy two lakes he owns on his property.

“There’s so much congestion over there already. You almost have to be a mountain goat to walk that property,” said resident Gail Onesi.

The town’s leaders agreed with the residents and turned down the rezoning from Agricultural-Residential to R-48 Single Family Residential by a unanimous vote.

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