In a recent government meeting, the Henry County Board reviewed a proposal for a conservation subdivision on approximately 87.96 acres located on Jones Drive in the 7th district. The property, currently zoned for residential agricultural use, is seeking to implement a conservation subdivision design that emphasizes environmental preservation by requiring at least 40% of the land to remain as undisturbed open space.

The proposal, presented by planner Faith Acuda, outlines plans for 49 lots, each with a minimum size of 22,000 square feet, which is significantly larger than the minimum lot size allowed under typical conservation subdivision regulations. The design aims to cluster homes to maximize green space and provide a buffer around the development, promoting environmentally sensitive land use.

The applicant, John Palmer of Falcon Design Consultants, emphasized that the project has evolved from an initial plan for 122 lots to the current proposal, which aligns more closely with conservation principles. He noted that the development would include features such as sidewalks and curb-and-gutter roads, addressing community concerns about infrastructure.

However, local residents raised several objections during the meeting. Concerns included the potential for increased traffic, the preservation of existing wildlife habitats, and the adequacy of the proposed buffer zones between the new homes and existing properties. Residents also questioned the long-term commitment to maintaining the designated green spaces and expressed worries about the impact on local property values and community character.

In response to community feedback, board members proposed additional conditions for the development, including a requirement for a homeowners' association to manage community standards and restrictions on rental properties to ensure the area remains primarily owner-occupied.

The board ultimately voted unanimously to approve the conditional use request with the recommended conditions, signaling a commitment to balancing development with environmental stewardship and community input. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to manage growth in Henry County while addressing the concerns of existing residents.