Residents say 28-home development too dense.

Council to vote on issue Dec. 16.

by SAVANNAH LEE; The Milton Herald

December 11, 2013

MILTON, Ga. — Some residents are upset at a proposed development of 28 homes at the northeast corner of Bethany Bend and Cogburn Road, calling it too dense.

At its Dec. 2 meeting, the Milton City Council heard the first presentation for plans to rezone the property from agricultural to a neighborhood unit plan.

Arrowhead Real Estate Partners LLC is requesting the rezoning to allow them to build 28 single-family homes on 9 acres. That will be a density of 3.1 units per acre.

At the meeting, Patricia Fredlund said this proposed development does not represent their vision for the city, and she's unhappy with the way the city has represented and proceeded with this project.

This corner of land was one of the special treatment areas from the Ga. 9 North Visioning Study.

As a special treatment area, a series of meetings were held to discuss an agreement between neighbors, stakeholders and the developer as to how this land should be developed. Several meetings were held leading up to the final Ga. 9 North Visioning Study meeting was held. Nov. 6.

However, the majority (13-2) of residents who participated in the visioning study reached a compromise of the project. The Planning Commission has recommended denial.

Dot Blair, who owns an adjacent business, participated in the visioning study also has remained adamantly opposed.

During these meetings, Blair has been vocal that 28 houses on 9 acres is too dense and not consistent with their vision for Milton. Blair, an active participant at all the special treatment discussions, said this property has been a contention for a long time.

Blair said she's not the only community member upset that the city wants to rezone this plot of land for the purpose of building 28 houses, despite her repeated calls against the density.

According to the subcommittee meeting's report, "all but two members of the stakeholder group who were present agreed that this proposal [the 28 units on 9 acres] was a significant improvement over initial proposals."

A proposed assisted living facility had problems had been opposed by residents.

The new plan "largely met community concerns" and the proposed site plan and concept design were therefore acceptable, subject to working out the details.

Additionally, the report states, "It should be noted that acceptance of the site and concept plan was not a vote of approval for the final design, but rather an indication that the proposal is a reasonable basis for moving forward."

Blair still contends the city has failed to keep their commitment to enforce the agreed terms of zoning for that property.

Last month, Blair spoke at the Planning Commission meeting Nov. 20 to express her opinion on the development.

She said she fears that if this land is rezoned and the land developed, it will establish a legal precedent for future developments that are inconsistent with the citizens' vision of Milton.

"To date, the city has failed to address the stakeholders' concerns and the clock in running out. The city's actions have only compounded the community's suspicions," Blair said.

This project goes before City Council on Dec. 16 for final discussion and a council's vote.