The Augusta Planning Commission voted in favor of a proposed subdivision of south Augusta townhomes in its February meeting on Monday afternoon, though the petitioner may still have to plead his case to the full commission.
Bobby Bagwell of Piedmont Holdings requested to rezone some seven acres along Windsor Spring Road from One-family Residential to R-3B Multifamily Residential, in order to build a neighborhood of 30 townhome dwellings at 3.9 units per acre.
Senior Planner Brian Kepner explained to the planning commissioners that approximately 10% of the 11 parcels are located within the Zone AE Special Flood Hazard Area, though the conceptual site plans submitted with the application indicate that none of the proposed townhome lots are located within and that flood hazard area.
While no one objected to the rezoning, residents Sandra and Alexander Howard raised concerns as a nearby pond sits on both the proposed development area as well as a portion of property upon which they had recently began building a home.
“Our biggest concern would be whether the pond would be in danger,” said Sondra Howard, also asking whether a privacy fence or some other kind of buffer would be available for their privacy.
Bagwell assured the commission, and the Howards, that the plan for the townhome subdivision entails a natural buffer against the pond—considered a wetland area, with no plans to discharge any stormwater locked into it.
Bagwell also told the commissioners that Piedmont Holdings considered several plan revisions in doing due diligence for development at the site, losing density in the process.
Staff recommended approval of the rezoning, but included among its conditions that lot sizes be 25 feet, instead of the 22-foot lots in the plan. Bagwell objected to this condition, saying it would cost the project four units.
After Commissioner George Lock McKnight asked Bagwell if he would comply to an added condition requiring various façade styles and restricting the use of vinyl siding (which Bagwell said he would), the commissioners unanimously voted to approve Bagwell’s rezoning request, but still including the staff recommended condition requiring 25-foot lots.
Vice-Chair Jeffrey Pooser motioned to reconsider the vote. Ultimately, however, the motion to reconsider was voted down.
Staff advised the planning commissioners that since the Planning Commissions voted to approve the request under conditions Bagwell did not agree with it, Bagwell would have to plead his case for 22-foot lots when the item goes before the Augusta Commission.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
