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Planning commission recommends PUD for Bridgewater, developer commits to 65 acres preserved and phased access requirements
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the Bridgewater subdivision (541 single-family lots) with developer commitments on open space and a requirement for a permanent secondary access before final platting beyond a specified phase; commissioners pressed for clearer phasing and utility assurances.
The Opelika Planning Commission voted to send a positive recommendation to City Council on a PUD and master plan for the Bridgewater subdivision, a proposed development that would include 541 single-family lots and preserved open space, after a public hearing and detailed developer presentation.
A representative of Sanford Group described the plan as a family-oriented neighborhood with “active open spaces,” three pocket parks, three playgrounds and “60 acres that are gonna be preserved of hardwoods.” The presentation noted a two-mile trail system, sidewalks on both sides of streets and a commitment that a pool and clubhouse would be completed before final plat for the first 50 lots. The developer said they had removed 40-foot lots and raised the minimum to 50-foot lots following prior commission concerns.
On utilities and access, the applicant said water to serve the entire development requires connections at Logan Drive and South Unarail; without a cooperative connection the developer said they could build only about 225 lots using an alternate Wildwood Drive connection. The developer told commissioners they were “self imposing” requirements so the project could not proceed without promised elements, and that a permanent secondary access must be constructed and approved by the city engineering department prior to final plat of the 151st lot. The developer characterized the project as phased and said those phases and infrastructure connections would guide buildout.
Commissioners asked for clearer phasing details and the location of the emergency access and were told the fire department had approved a long gravel emergency access option that meets IFC requirements. Commissioner questions focused on phasing, secondary access, water pressure and traffic mitigation; the applicant said they were coordinating with ALDOT and Opelika Water and that other options exist for secondary access including connecting to Wildwood Drive, Scenic Oaks or an adjacent developer’s road.
A motion for a positive recommendation to City Council carried; the transcript shows the vote as “Aye.” The commission’s recommendation forwards the PUD and master plan for City Council consideration; final approvals, engineering permits, construction phasing and utility work remain subject to subsequent city review and required permits.
