Southaven opens hearing on proposed 56-unit townhome PUD, tables decision to April 15

The Southaven Board of Aldermen opened a public hearing on a developer pplication to rezone 9.97 acres from agricultural to Planned Unit Development for about 56 townhomes, then voted to table the matter and continue the hearing on April 15.

The proposal would allow roughly 56 townhomes north of Freeman Lane on the west side of Malone Road. According to Planning Director Whitney Cook, the development calls for townhomes with a minimum of 1,950 square feet, owner-occupancy covenants that the developer says would bar short-term and long-term rentals, and on-site amenities including a gym, clubhouse, dog park and a walking trail. Cook said roads in the development are proposed as public and that a secondary entrance was removed after the fire marshal required sprinklers for the units.

Neighbors told the board the project raised traffic, stormwater and property-value concerns. Cody Lambert, a nearby resident, told the aldermen the development would be visible from his backyard and said neighbors had signed a petition opposing the scale of the project.

"When you walk out, I will see everything that they plan on doing," said Cody Lambert, identified as a neighboring resident during public comment.

Bobby Wilson, who said his property abuts the site, said added traffic from the townhomes could be substantial and expressed worry that the development could shift in future to more rental use. "If we get the same thing over there, then in my old age, I'm gonna have to try to find somewhere else," Wilson said.

Other speakers raised runoff and drainage history on Freeman Lane and questioned enforcement of the owner-occupancy covenants. Tammy Warren, a resident who described herself as living in Gardner Snow Grove, said covenants can be bypassed in practice and urged the board to ensure protections are enforceable.

Cook told the board the covenants and HOA documents are still being drafted and that the city has asked for stronger enforcement provisions, including the ability to place liens on units that violate covenants. She said the applicant, identified by staff as Mr. Utley Jr., has prior development experience in the county.

Mayor (name not specified) acknowledged the concerns but said the city values a variety of housing types and that park investments have increased local demand. The mayor said he had studied rental policy extensively and that while federal law limits some municipal restrictions on rentals, homeowners associations can carry stronger enforcement tools.

During the meeting the board first voted to open the public hearing (motion by Alderman Jerome; second by Alderman Hoots). After public comment, Alderman Wheeler moved to table the rezoning request and continue the hearing on April 15; Alderman Flores seconded that motion. The board recorded that the motion carried and the hearing was continued for further review.

Planning director Whitney Cook said the planning commission had recommended approval of the rezoning at its meeting but flagged resident concerns for the board. The board also heard related planning items earlier in the same agenda, including a plat name correction and a unanimous approval of a minor subdivision for a 4-acre parcel on the east side of Elmore Road.

The board repeatedly told speakers their written input and emails had been received and that staff would work with the developer and the HOA covenants ahead of the continued hearing.

The board did not take a final vote on the rezoning application. The continued public hearing is scheduled for the board's April 15 meeting.