[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6174005,"mediaKeyId","5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b","parentId",5376849,"title","Commission approves Cole Place annexation, preliminary plat and greenway waiver with easement condition","audioSeconds",1479,"startMs",3336000,"endMs",4815000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b&start=3336&end=4815","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b/thumbnail_3336000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6174005/Auburn/Lee-County/Alabama/Commission-approves-Cole-Place-annexation-preliminary-plat-and-greenway-waiver-with-easement-condition","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174005-48aabde4bc38a27b63e98487a7417e0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775340787&Signature=SNvKC7AHdy6f695X6UGvu2uM7EtUutyJBwBC8-N8rv0hgpSpucjT1tLalKwGvgOz9DxFK1FBkcHK-q7OgI5bH2o0Lfd~ns3ZSkWRqspXh1D12Ls7a0XYtBy0MEx~oAKzmW6nWUdiyEBsdxACxXH3lQZaNN9eiRI1jIgtse1RlUdZX8EoI3EJnp~Yv-7YgPEVv7LojxnKie7OHjuem59s4nnGMboGB2J-~2echIdfCeLuH6gdtlYUBlQZ2bPX9s1GwA9Vue3HekrRFXGK7CC4KwzY4s75oJyaqlfWuyVRyoGSJgWomLRxGFwZLn5n~h7Tvx8Q47Kdao7XzxyUJFFnCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Auburn City, AL","date","2025-07-11T11:30:01Z","article","The Auburn Planning Commission approved the annexation of 127 acres of a larger 223-acre property on Society Hill Road, approved a 37-lot preliminary plat for the subdivision called Cole Place, and granted a waiver from the subdivision regulations for placing a greenway easement across part of the parcel in exchange for a guaranteed city greenway easement on a narrow Robinson Creek \"notch\" on parcel number 18010160001001.

The annexation request calls for the 127 acres to enter the city with a rural base zoning and the conservation overlay district because the site falls within the Opal Tree watershed. Staff said the area is currently served by rural water authority and is distant from sanitary sewer: \"There is no sanitary sewer service there,\" staff said, and the nearest sewer was described as several miles away toward East Lake/Division.

Preliminary plat and greenway discussion: the subdivision preliminary plat covers the full 223 acres though about two-thirds of Lot 14 and one other large lot will remain in the county. The developer requested a waiver of subdivision regulations that would otherwise require the greenway to be placed in a public greenway easement on the parcel. The applicant and staff negotiated a condition: instead of dedicating the greenway easement across the main parcel, the owner agreed to provide the city with greenway access on a narrow \"notch\" of land along Robinson Creek (parcel 18010160001001) so the city's mapped greenway could continue south and achieve longer continuous connectivity.

Why it matters: the city's greenway map shows a proposed trail that would extend south along Robinson Creek and connect existing and planned greenway segments. Staff and the applicant said routing the greenway through the \"notch\" and preserving that access would enable the longer trail connection without forcing a public easement across the residential subdivision interior, which the developer said would materially change the neighborhood character.

Public comment and property-rights context: neighboring landowner Steve Ward asked the commission to consider future right-of-way connectivity to the north and suggested a reservation of stubbed rights-of-way to facilitate future road extension; staff and the commission said such a land dedication would require negotiation with the property owner and cannot be compelled by the commission as a condition of the plat approval. \"If he would like that, that's essentially asking for land. He needs to work that out with the property owner,\" staff told the meeting.

Approvals and conditions: commissioners approved annexation (AX2025-006), the preliminary plat (PP2025-021, Cole Place) and the waiver on the condition that the owner dedicate the greenway easement over parcel 18010160001001 along Robinson Creek by administrative plat (to be presented to and approved by staff) prior to final plat or other approvals. The waiver approval included language directing staff to verify the greenway dedication in a recorded document.

Infrastructure and utilities: staff noted no current sanitary sewer service and that the property is served by rural water; any future city services such as sewer would require major extensions and coordination and could be years away. Commissioners and staff said the annexation score (priority) is currently low because the property lacks nearby utilities, but that watershed concerns (Lake Ogletree/Opal Tree watershed) have created local interest in bringing some areas into city oversight if development occurs.

Ending note: the conditions require the owner to provide a legal description and recorded dedication (administrative plat) for the notch easement to preserve the greenway connection; infrastructure extensions such as sewer were not part of the approvals and must be addressed if/when development proceeds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Auburn Planning Commission Meeting July 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved the annexation of 127 acres, a 37-lot preliminary plat (Cole Place) and granted a waiver for a greenway easement in exchange for the property owner dedicating a narrow Robinson Creek \"notch\" easement (parcel 18010160001001) to preserve longer greenway connectivity.","taxTitle","Auburn, Lee County, Alabama","taxId",4270,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6174010,"Commission recommends conditional use for 243-unit Dean Road residential project",428,2886000,3314000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b&start=2886&end=3314","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b/thumbnail_2886000.jpg","/articles/6174010/Auburn/Lee-County/Alabama/Commission-recommends-conditional-use-for-243-unit-Dean-Road-residential-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174010-65ef0e495ca5995d153e97bbe47eada6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775340787&Signature=J3gzOKbrTSmmCxEI0bhbJUg7d0mEWFp7t4ErnvyXWx0G2LBlHEwzsMTaAbbixHa2bp6aVbASdk8yOL-y5lUb3dss7vCHG9nmAEI5UkigM2mF-2m7pz26TkwCD5bmKF19XrwBywVZ3ICH1cea6zq8KYD029m2N6RZppVq4vlNam~rIulF~VDbKbzfIkBOgHsQgnqmA82OP98Z7lMqHubfS2kXpXG-CyQuyQH5zzdlTWy7X2rvdNLK3HlDtGBvB6t0ocRlX5xs9iDbcFNCpJzy9jUt-ydrHTLR5gXlvpkFvMkgMvb~u5UkXB8oZKzT4RiSXemdzqIHD75thNXqprxY1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Auburn Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit for a 243-unit, 431-bed multifamily development at 1397 North Dean Road, an application presented as an iteration of a previously considered project.

Staff told commissioners the applicant revised the site plan to reflect an updated flood-plain boundary and reconfigured northern units. The project, described to the commission as a purpose-built multifamily development, will include a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units in several building types. The project totals 243 units and 431 beds under the current plan.

Why it matters: the development would add a substantial number of dwelling units and beds near East University Drive and North Dean Road, an area identified for future street extensions and major-street improvements. Commissioners asked about traffic impacts, access and the effect on Dean Road, which staff said is on the city's major streets plan and is expected to accommodate future extensions and turn-lane improvements as development proceeds.

Parking and traffic: staff reported that an updated site plan shows nine additional parking spaces are required from the previously provided calculations; the earlier parking calculation on the plan was incorrect. Staff said a new traffic study will be required given changes since the earlier 2018 study and that the project may trigger turn-lane and intersection improvements where access points are used. \"There will be improvements; there's going to be turn lanes there, left turn, right turn,\" the city planner said.

Floodplain and site revisions: the applicant adjusted the site layout after receiving updated floodplain mapping and reconfigured units on the northern portion of the site; these changes account for an increase in beds and a small net change in unit mix as developers respond to market demand for fewer multi-bedroom units and more studios or one-bedroom units.

Decision: Commissioners voted to recommend approval of the conditional-use application KCU2025-038, noting that detailed mitigation, turn-lane requirements and any triggered infrastructure improvements will be addressed in traffic study results and subsequent development review.

Next steps: staff said a traffic study will be required to determine specific road improvements and access controls; the applicant must finalize the site plan, parking calculations and mitigation measures during the DRT and permitting phases.","The planning commission recommended approval of a conditional-use application for a 243-unit, 431-bed multifamily development at 1397 North Dean Road after staff updated the site plan to reflect current floodplain boundaries and noted a requirement for nine additional parking spaces.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6174016,"Commission approves event space at East Glen mixed-use site with overflow parking condition",974,1871000,2845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b&start=1871&end=2845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b/thumbnail_1871000.jpg","/articles/6174016/Auburn/Lee-County/Alabama/Commission-approves-event-space-at-East-Glen-mixed-use-site-with-overflow-parking-condition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174016-b4d75b4ecebb68d596f8771c5d91d6e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775340787&Signature=oEwngy~pjjjXYoiQmkn8UarE7f4acnmGnlyUSSzi-LCtJ4mJJghQqE5l5jjJ9KtSr0aipRQ0~FZuK8Ryph6Bg3KXIJw~q5zbyVXgtUangOAQwZOsjqVMBhfZyIxvL1UFHmJqeyMAg5AlsBRzpczBI3eNmyd2rUDacfs0w2Zy0Kz~DiqYfjI4v6x140Ddel8yD88qz0YOXx3FOmc4SoPTXe~hlE3Wu2ZZkfeseME6nh~TC7EPHbK7Ai3uUoI0SJoWg2qTBukNYWOPkq3OP9zYIaIOb-wCCYRcdCXuDP-b~HRLIOHZZ9xDohBOdss2xEgLQb2OdAKJ3-g5eTPwe4FjWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Auburn Planning Commission approved a conditional-use permit to allow an indoor event space in a mixed-use building at 1027 East Glen Avenue, adding a condition that any event requiring overflow parking must be backed by a contract and presented to city staff.

The developer, BC Stone Homes representative Bridal Stone, told the commission the event space will be about 3,000 to 4,000 square feet on the first floor of a mixed-use building and is intended primarily for corporate events, receptions and daytime gatherings rather than large concert venues. \"We don't want it destroyed,\" Bridal Stone said of the proposed venue, adding the developer expects to own and operate the space and will use valet and off-site parking agreements when necessary.

Why it matters: the property is part of a larger mixed-use complex where office tenants and restaurants coexist. Commissioners and staff focused on whether peak-event parking could be handled on-site and on how the use might interact with nearby tenants and nighttime restaurant operations.

Parking and operational controls: staff said the project generally meets parking requirements for daytime office use but that the specific occupancy and event parking demands remain under discussion. The applicant said they have prearranged off-site parking options and are willing to require off-site parking contracts as part of any booking that exceeds on-site capacity. \"We have valet arrangements and, if needed, off-site parking agreements,\" Bridal Stone said. The planning commission added a condition that any overflow-parking arrangement be evidenced by a standing contract presented to staff and approved during development review.

Outdoor use and noise: the applicant described a semi-enclosed between-building space intended for spillover activity and outdoor games. The developer and staff said musical performances and beer-garden-style outdoor amplified events were not the intended primary use; rather, the design allows the operator and the adjacent restaurants to open roll-up doors and share a pedestrianized outdoor area. \"The space is kind of for the community as a whole,\" Bridal Stone said, adding that Carvela's (a restaurant tenant) would handle food and alcohol service.

Approval and conditions: Commissioners approved conditional-use permit KCU2025-0331 with the overflow-parking condition. Staff said the development will go through DRT review and that the applicant will provide documentation of any off-site parking agreements if an event's attendance exceeds the on-site parking capacity determined by building occupancy and code.

Ending note: the event space is expected to operate largely as a daytime and private-rental venue; the parking condition is intended to reduce spillover congestion and preserve parking for tenants during business hours.","The planning commission approved a conditional-use permit for about 3,000-4,000 square feet of event space on the first floor of a mixed-use building at 1027 East Glen Avenue, requiring any overflow parking arrangements to be documented by contract and presented to staff.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6174021,"Planning commission approves rezoning and conditional use for Persimmon Drive contractor yard and warehouse",850,537000,1387000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b&start=537&end=1387","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5376849-ddae69704154d3462d1f1da42674b43b/thumbnail_537000.jpg","/articles/6174021/Auburn/Lee-County/Alabama/Planning-commission-approves-rezoning-and-conditional-use-for-Persimmon-Drive-contractor-yard-and-warehouse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174021-2ea64d39242eec0ead4361d09a086a35/orig.mp4?Expires=1775340787&Signature=gnc8F8l~33WhlH9H60QR8Rm-vFuYVmLStMhkbWImj52TCuUAhgK~h7Sy~htM6ers-E4FRk~zFdL0Pm-3h6Ob0wGzNf8c3JK3Cump~j1HMc4mstKOUyvnuKhFPNJC7YdldEIAYq7P1ZdYpKBY7giEp6BqTJK7TqRvCv~bJ3DV8x9fd-RL9g7UiQfBobqi-YRfoAr2m4tt8po2jZusfwxAJlELrRJqCLJSiJa2Ft3UFIEQFdnc-4gheIdiRyz~nJ2shq6EIUVi6jftYKTanYmRnvCX29pXMuvRUaTH017BmlgY0gwek6300-w6SiuaA041Kys-D-3BavXqKivMNDisYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Auburn Planning Commission voted to rezone about 10.08 acres at 306 Persimmon Drive from rural to industrial and granted a conditional-use permit to allow contractor offices, a storage yard and a proposed 14,280-square-foot warehouse with roughly 400 square feet of office space.

The rezoning and conditional-use applications were presented by city staff as a remedy to a longstanding legal nonconformity: the property currently operates as a contractor office and storage yard in a rural zoning district, a use that predates or was created without authorization under current zoning. The applicant asked the commission to bring the parcel into compliance with the city's zoning ordinance and 2030 future land-use designation.

Why it matters: approving the rezoning removes the property's nonconforming status and allows the owner to consolidate and expand existing industrial uses under the industrial zoning district. Commissioners and staff said the decision concerns only the zoning designation and does not resolve separate complaints residents raised about traffic, road damage or pollution.

City staff said the photographs residents provided showing roadway damage at the Persimmon Drive/US-29 intersection appear to be confined to the highway right-of-way and to the area around the transfer station and recycling facilities. \"Most of that damage appears to be related to the transfer station and recycle sites that are maintained there at the intersection,\" staff member Scott said, after driving the corridor and reviewing aerial imagery.

A string of nearby residents opposed the requests at public hearing, saying heavy operations have affected their neighborhood. \"It smells awful over there,\" resident Larissa Buchanan told the commission, adding several family members had developed cancer that she attributed to local pollution. White Cotton, another resident, and Gene Merrick said traffic and truck activity have affected road conditions and neighborhood quality of life.

Applicant and project details: the applicant plans a 14,280-square-foot enclosed warehouse on the property and to retain other existing buildings on site. Staff described a 15-foot buffer on the site plan; because the property abuts a single-family neighborhood to the south, staff said the development must also meet the city's residential buffer standards during development review. There will be no new curb cuts or new access points, and the new building will use existing entrances on Persimmon Drive and Leerobe. The applicant's representative, Tyler Fair, said outdoor lighting would \"match what's existing out there, just typical flood lights\" and that the project would not require nighttime work.

Commissioners noted that separate enforcement or remediation for road damage, trash transfer-station operations or health concerns are not before the planning commission and would be addressed by other city departments or by legal remedies outside this application. The commission approved rezoning case RZ2025-010 and conditional-use permit KCU2025-037. The approvals included staff review through the Development Review Team (DRT) process and a requirement to consolidate tax parcels by administrative plat before building permits are issued.

What comes next: staff will review landscaping, buffer and detailed site elements in DRT; the applicant must complete an administrative plat to consolidate multiple parcels before permits are issued. Residents who spoke were encouraged by commissioners to record their concerns with the city council and relevant enforcement agencies if they seek remedies beyond zoning.

Ending note: the commission's approval changes the legal status of the existing contractor/storage use to an allowed use in an industrial district and permits the proposed enclosed warehouse while requiring subsequent administrative and DRT reviews for detailed compliance.","The Auburn Planning Commission voted to rezone about 10.08 acres at 306 Persimmon Drive from rural to industrial and approved a conditional-use permit to formalize contractor office, storage yard and a new 14,280-square-foot warehouse on the site.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves Cole Place annexation, preliminary plat and greenway waiver with easement condition

Commission recommends conditional use for 243-unit Dean Road residential project

Commission approves event space at East Glen mixed-use site with overflow parking condition

Planning commission approves rezoning and conditional use for Persimmon Drive contractor yard and warehouse