Controversy has surrounded the Mullikin Road property in Evans for the better part of two years.
Developer Keith Blaschke tried to build on the rural space in 2020, requesting to rezone the site from R-1 to R-2 Single-family residential to develop a subdivision of more than 50 homes over some 33 acres, at 10,000 square feet per lot.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners voted down the rezoning in August of that year.
Most of the property in question is now owned by Adam and Lisa Kotter of Gracewood Farms, LLC, who acquired over 100 acres of the land this summer.
More info on the Kotters can be found on thier blog page at https://www.mytimbercreek.com/
On June 16, the Planning Commission unanimously approved the concept plans for Timber Creek, a subdivision of over 50 luxury homes across some 50 acres.
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The Kotters have recently submitted a rezoning request to change about two acres of their land from R-1 to Special district in order to build “Manor at Timber Creek,” the proposed subdivision’s clubhouse.
The site is to consist of just over two acres of land that will be subdivided into a separate parcel adjacent to the neighborhood.
On the Gracewood Farms website, the Kotters suggest that they sought the rezoning after a suggestion by the planning department that “a small piece of land be carved out and assigned a special S-1 zoning,” as there is no zoning consideration for a neighborhood clubhouse.
“We like the S-1 zoning suggestion as it allows the County to require the neighborhood HOA to follow predetermined rules, such as keeping all music inside of the building so as not to disturb the neighbors,” the Kotters said in a recent blog post on the Gracewood Farms website.
Residents of Timber Creek are to have two points access to the clubhouse: through a paved driveway from the development, and another access from Mullikin Road. The clubhouse site includes 50 paved parking spaces.
Commissioner Connie Melear, in whose district the property is located, was among the most vocal opponents to Blaschke’s development attempt two years ago, advocating on behalf of her District 1 constituents.
Regarding Gracewood Farms’ proposed development, however, Melear seems more welcoming. Unlike Blaschke, the Kotters have not sought to rezone the whole property, aiming to build the lots under the current R-1 zoning.
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“The undeveloped property on Mullikin Road has been looked at by several developers over the past few years. It is currently zoned for large lots and low density,” said Melear. “I believe that is the appropriate use of the space.”
There is no architectural plan yet for the proposed 5,000 square foot clubhouse, which will be accompanied by a pickleball court and a connection to the subdivision’s walking trail.
“Putting a clubhouse in a neighborhood is customary, and we certainly expect Mr. Kotter to propose one,” Melear said. “I look forward to seeing his plans and hearing from the neighbors. I have reached out to a few residents over there with the idea and so far have heard no opposition.”
The narrative document attached to the rezoning request for the Manor at Timber Creek projects construction to start in May of next year, after submitting plans for the site next March. The Gracewood Farms website says it hopes to begin selling lots at the beginning of 2023.
The Columbia County Planning Commission is scheduled to hear the matter in its Nov. 17 meeting, and the Board of Commissioners on Dec. 6.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
