Residents urge masonry fence, no road connection and living buffer after trees cleared near Russell Extension

WARREN ROBINS, Ga. — Residents near Russell Extension told the Warner Robins City Council on April 7 they want protections after trees were cleared ahead of a commercial rezoning and development, and asked the city to honor conditions previously discussed when the rezoning passed.

At the start of the council’s public comment period, several neighbors from Hatcher Estates and adjacent subdivisions described lost tree cover, nesting wildlife and increased noise and dust. Jose Segarra, speaking for nearby residents, asked the council to confirm and enforce four conditions that he said were approved in a February meeting: a 10-foot masonry fence along the southern property line of the C-2 parcel, no vehicular connection between Paddington Way and Russell Extension, no placement of dumpsters next to the residential line, and advance notification to Hatcher Estates representatives when site plans are submitted and reviewed.

“We just request that you guys take a look at it and verify the zoning that is currently in that area,” Segarra said, asking council staff to confirm whether the assessed zoning reflects the previously agreed limitations.

Other residents raised related concerns. Etta Kelly said the tree clearing had removed active wildlife habitat and asked the council to require a ‘‘living barrier, not just a wall’’ to screen noise and dust and to prevent commercial traffic from using Paddington Way. “Do not open that road up for commercial traffic,” Kelly said.

Tim Bergel, who spoke about walkability and transportation planning near the site, noted the number of nearby amenities and urged the council to require modern micro-mobility and sidewalk standards in new developments. He recommended use of “modal filters” and quick-build materials to improve safety and connectivity without high cost.

Ray Williams reported repeated utility leaks on Newton Lane and said the road surface is now buckling. “The road is now, buckling and it's actually bouncy,” Williams said, adding that he has called the utilities department multiple times and that fixes appear to be delayed.

Council response and next steps

Council members thanked residents for professional presentations and said staff is tracking the concerns. Councilman Lawrence told residents he raised sidewalk work in pre-council and said the council is “on top of those things.” Several council members thanked residents for their civility and said the city will follow up through normal staff channels; no formal council action (motions or votes) to change the approved zoning or to impose new conditions was recorded during the meeting.

Why it matters: The items residents raised — fencing, road connections, dumpster placement, habitat loss, sidewalks and drainage/utility repairs — affect neighborhood quality of life, public safety and long-term property values. The requests for pre-submittal notification and buffer requirements, if adopted, would affect developers’ site plans and the city’s review process.

What’s next: Residents requested confirmation of current zoning with the Houston County assessor’s records and asked for notification when site plans are filed. The transcript shows councilmembers acknowledged the concerns; follow-up will occur through city staff and future council agenda items if formal action is proposed.