Zoning board OKs Lennar rezoning for 259-unit Willow Lane development; right-of-way donation and building delay conditions added

On April 10, 2025, the Henry County Zoning Advisory Board voted to recommend approval of RZ2415, a rezoning application from RA (residential‑agricultural) and MU (mixed use) to RM (multifamily residence) filed by Lennar. The rezoning covers land along Willow Lane in the Seventh District and was presented to the board as a District 4 item.

Planner Kintulanum (presented on the record as Planner 3) summarized staff’s analysis: the property carries a future land‑use designation of high‑density mixed use and a portion was rezoned to mixed use in 2009. The applicant’s site plan consolidates townhome units to the west of Willow Lane and detached cluster homes to the east. The site plan presented to the board shows a total of 259 fee‑simple residential units — 181 townhomes on the west side of Willow Lane and 78 detached cluster homes on the east. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including requirements for a traffic impact study, compliance with multifamily design standards and a rental cap referenced in staff’s conditions.

Lennar’s representative (identified in the hearing as Mr. Moore) said the proposal would donate a 20‑foot strip of right‑of‑way on each side of Willow Lane — about 2 acres total — to support a SPLOST‑funded widening project. Moore said the developer’s net density estimate was “right at 12” units per acre with a gross density of about 5 units per acre and that the proposed 259 fee‑simple lots are consistent with the property’s high‑density mixed‑use designation. He told the board the design includes amenity areas on both sides of the widened road so residents would not be compelled to cross a four‑lane roadway.

Members of the public raised concerns about deed records, school capacity and environmental impacts. Connie Snow, speaking for Conserve Henry and citing her group’s petition, questioned deed transfer records shown on county property pages and asked the board to scrutinize any county‑owned or school‑board‑owned parcels referenced in tax records. Walnut Creek Watershed Coalition and other speakers urged stronger stormwater protections and tree preservation. Staff and the applicant responded that property deed records shown on tax‑assessor pages may not reflect recent transfers, that dedicated right‑of‑way would relieve the county of purchase costs for the Willow Lane widening, and that condition 3 would limit building‑permit issuance until January 2027 or until the county demonstrates substantial progress on the Willow Lane SPLOST widening project.

After questions, a board member moved to approve RZ2415 with staff conditions (including the added condition preventing issuance of building permits until January 2027 or until substantial progress on the Willow Lane widening). The motion carried on a voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally.

Key project details reflected in the hearing record: site plan shows 259 fee‑simple lots (181 townhomes / 78 detached cluster homes); applicant proposes to donate approximately 2 acres (20 feet each side) for Willow Lane widening; building permits would be limited by condition until January 2027 or substantial progress on the SPLOST widening; traffic impact study required prior to permits; staff references a maximum rental cap of 10% in the conditions.

Votes at a glance: RZ2415 — Motion to approve rezoning with staff conditions including right‑of‑way dedication and permit timing; outcome: approved (voice vote; tally not specified).