The discussion over the Grove Park subdivision development on Ga. Highway 314 continued at the Oct. 11 work session of Fayetteville Planning & Zoning Commission. The meeting drew fewer neighbors than in the two prior meetings, but those in attendance persisted with questions and concerns related to the rezoning request that would put 60 homes on the 19-acre site.

While it is currently zoned C-3 Commercial, developer Bob Rolader proposed to make the site on Hwy. 314 near White Road a 60-home development under DR-15 zoning. The move, Rolader said earlier, would be a better fit than having the site developed commercially. The development calls for marketing to people aged 55 and older.

City Planner Eldridge Gunn began the presentation by stating that the major issues of area neighborhoods included erosion and stormwater runoff adding to the drainage problem, the possibility of too much traffic in the area and the much-discussed odor from city sewer lines. Gunn cited other concerns expressed by neighbors such the density that would accompany a residential development, the square footage of homes and the distance between houses. Issues with the the odor from sewer lines was something the city would address, he said.

During their comments, residents from adjacent neighborhoods mirrored Gunns assessment of their concerns. Woodbine resident Walter Clark and others referenced what they called a lack of consistency in Roladers proposal. Clark said home prices originally slated at $250,000 were now being downgraded to $200,000. Clark, Neals Trace resident Stephanie Walker and others said that though some residents met with Rolader, they still had concerns such as stormwater runoff, issues with entrance and exit access to the property from Hwy. 314 and the size and quality of homes that might be constructed.

Responding to concerns, Rolader announced changes to the proposed development that included redrawing the entrance/exit to the subdivision on Hwy. 314 rather than off White Road. Rolader said he had previously agreed to raise the minimum square footage of the homes to 1,800 square feet. Lots would sell for $60,000-65,000, bringing the total price per home to approximately $300,000. He added that issues with stormwater runoff were successfully addressed.

I can guarantee less water than theyre getting now but I cant guarantee acts of nature, he said.

Rolader said he believed he was being consistent with his proposal, adding that his previous developments in the city were worthwhile additions to the community.

There is not one instance where we have degraded or devalued property, he said. We have many other developments with nice homes in nice neighborhoods.

Commissioners had several comments for Rolader and residents. While generally favorable of the proposal, some had concerns over density. Commission Chair Sarah Murphy said she believed a residential development was preferable to one targeting commercial business. Commissioner Kevin Bittinger cited the citys current saturation with commercial development, citing a greater market for office and residential property. Commissioner Bill Talley asked for clarification on containing stormwater runoff. He told residents that some of the issues raised could only be raised later in the development process but not during the rezoning phase.

Murphy suggested that residents check Roladers other developments as a means of helping determine the quality he said he would bring to the proposed Grove Park development. Murphy said commissioners would take up the rezoning issue at the regular meeting Oct. 25.

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