During a recent council meeting, discussions centered around a proposed amendment to the future land use plan, primarily focusing on a 20-acre property located just north of Edgewood. Developer Josh Becker presented his vision for the land, which he initially intended to develop commercially but has since shifted towards a residential approach due to the property's characteristics and surrounding land uses.

Becker explained that after purchasing the land about a year ago, he conducted a predevelopment meeting to explore commercial options. However, he concluded that the land would be better suited for residential development, citing its location and the surrounding environment as key factors in this decision. He emphasized the importance of allowing the land to \"speak\" to its potential uses, a sentiment echoed by his land planner.

The property is strategically positioned near a new 326-lot subdivision by Toll Brothers and adjacent to land owned by the local school district, which is planning to develop a K-12 campus. Becker noted that the school’s access routes would further distance the property from commercial viability, reinforcing his argument for residential development.

In his presentation, Becker highlighted the existing natural features of the land, including numerous oak trees, and expressed a commitment to preserving these elements in the proposed development plan. He aims to retain the site's topography rather than flatten it for commercial buildings, aligning the project with community values and environmental considerations.

The council's feedback on this amendment will be crucial as they evaluate the implications of the proposed shift from commercial to residential use before any financial commitments are made towards the application process.