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Council defers Rogers Lake rezoning request after neighbors question scale and access
Summary
A developer asked to rezone 14.86 acres at 1455 Rogers Lake Road from R100 to RSM for a proposed 75-unit townhome community. After council questions about scale, transit access, unit design and neighborhood fit, the applicant requested — and council approved — a full-cycle deferral so the developer can return with alternatives.
Stonecrest councilmembers deferred a requested rezoning for 1455 Rogers Lake Road (RZ 25-001) after an extended public hearing and planning discussion. The council voted 5-0 to defer the item through a full review cycle so the applicant can present alternate site plans or product types.
Staff described the parcel as approximately 14.86 acres, wooded and currently zoned R100. The application sought rezoning to RSM (small-lot residential) to allow 75 townhome units; staff recommended denial because the submitted site plan did not include typical unit widths or lot sizes and because surrounding parcels immediately north and south were single-family lots of about five acres or larger. The Planning Commission, by contrast, recommended approval.
The developer, represented by Bobby Bullard and property owner Mr. Bessay, said the design included more than 15% open space, a community garden, playground and pavilion, and that grading and topography made townhomes a better fit than single-family lots. Bullard said townhomes in the proposed product range would sell in the “high $300,000s to low $400,000s” and that the project would preserve wooded areas and create internal community amenities.
Several councilmembers voiced concern about compatibility with existing large-lot single-family homes, the potential for conversion to rentals, the lack of nearby public transit and guest-parking management. Councilmember Tammy Grama and others pressed for explicit protections in covenants and asked whether an HOA could limit large-scale investor purchases. Planning staff said covenants could include owner-occupancy percentage restrictions or other limits, but any such condition would require agreement with the applicant.
After discussion the applicant requested a full-cycle deferral to revisit layout and product choices; council granted the deferral by a 5-0 vote. Staff noted that a full cycle would include a community planning information meeting and return to the Planning Commission before rehearing by council.
