Old Hickory rezoning request continued while comprehensive-plan amendment proceeds

The Planning Commission continued a rezoning request for the Old Hickory area to the June 17 meeting to allow time for a related comprehensive-plan amendment to be considered.

Dean Olberch and developer representatives described a proposed single-family subdivision of roughly 310 lots with a mix of lot widths and amenities; the project team said discussions with Lancaster Water and Sewer indicate available capacity and that part of the development can drain to an existing force main and pump station built for a nearby subdivision. The applicant said the proposal includes wetlands and that the project's density would be below the maximum permitted by the requested district.

Members of the public urged the commission to deny the rezoning or postpone action until infrastructure, school capacity and public-safety impacts were clearer. Speakers cited the large number of approved but not yet occupied housing units across the county and asked the commission to "let us catch up" on services and schools before approving more zoning that will add residential units.

Commissioners debated timing and the commission ultimately adopted a motion to continue the rezoning application until June 17 to allow the comprehensive-plan amendment process to proceed and to provide additional time for staff review. The motion was seconded and approved by a 6-0 vote.