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Waffen subdivision continued after neighbors raise traffic, wastewater and safety concerns
Summary
The commission granted a continuance for S4925 (Waffen subdivision) after the petitioner said access‑easement issues with the county remain unresolved and multiple neighbors spoke about traffic, speeding and lack of city water/sewer.
The Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission voted to continue a request for the Waffen subdivision (S4925) after the petitioner said the developer is resolving an access easement with the county.
Bobby Herndon, the petitioner, asked the commission to continue the item while he and the county finalize access easement details. The chair noted four people were present and gave registered speakers a chance to comment before the item returns to the commission.
Several nearby residents spoke in opposition or raised concerns. Jeff Akers, a long‑time resident of Holt Peterson Road, described the road as narrow with many curves and said maintenance and brush clearing have declined; he urged commissioners to inspect the stretch of road. Elizabeth “Libby” Fowler, whose family has long ties to nearby property, said she is concerned about loss of wildlife, increased traffic (including speeders and football‑season shortcut traffic), and the absence of county sewer or city water in the area. Joseph Button said a June 2024 crash destroyed 66 feet of his chain‑link fence and warned the commission of dangerous speeding on the road. Alfred Boyd noted frequent school buses, lack of fire hydrants and possible impacts to Harrigan Creek and questioned the feasibility of building near power lines.
When commissioners asked about sewage plans, the petitioner said homes would be on septic systems and that the project likely includes only three or four lots; he did not have detailed plans with him because he had only requested a continuance. After public comments, the commission moved to continue S4925; the motion carried.
The petitioner will notify interested parties when the item returns to the commission. The record shows neighbors' concerns about traffic safety, stormwater and onsite sewage; these issues will be relevant to staff review at the continued hearing.
