Scott and Jules Hornsby oppose Milton development plan at public hearing

The City of Milton Planning Commission held a special called meeting on June 4, 2025, to discuss a preliminary plat application submitted by Epic Design and Build for a proposed development at 2655 Acre Road, adjacent to the residences of Scott and Jules Hornsby. Patrick Dodson, representing the Hornsbys, voiced their opposition to the development, emphasizing their concerns regarding the project's alignment with local zoning regulations and community standards.

Dodson noted that the preliminary site plan under consideration had not been revised since the last meeting in April, despite ongoing discussions about the development's implications. The proposed project includes 20 residential units on a 3.792-acre site, raising questions about its compatibility with the surrounding area.

The Hornsbys' attorney highlighted the historical context of the Deerfield Form-Based Code, which was established following a mediation process between the city and local residents in 2014. This code originally mandated that row houses and townhouses in the area could only be developed with a special use permit, allowing for greater oversight of such projects. However, Dodson pointed out that recent amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) in 2024 removed this requirement, permitting townhomes as a right without the need for a special use permit, although public hearings were still allowed.

The meeting included discussions on the implications of these regulatory changes and their potential impact on traffic, land use compatibility, and community character. The Planning Commission is tasked with reviewing the application and making a recommendation for approval or denial, which will ultimately be considered by the City Council.

As the meeting concluded, the commission acknowledged the need for careful consideration of the Hornsbys' concerns and the broader implications of the proposed development on the community. Further discussions and evaluations are expected as the commission prepares to make its recommendation.