Board hears rezoning request to R‑6 planned development near Brandon Woods; applicants and some aldermen express disagreement

City staff and the applicant presented a rezoning request for a property west of I‑65 adjacent to the Brandon Woods subdivision. The request seeks approval of R‑6 Planned Development zoning and would reduce some commercial allowances in favor of residential development; the applicant proposes 955 dwelling units: 847 townhomes, 99 duplexes and nine single‑family homes.

Miss Saunders (planning staff) told the board the property was rezoned R‑6 previously and entitled under older approvals. The applicant’s proposal would formalize a planned‑development overlay with a lower maximum unit count than the existing straight R‑6 zoning would permit, and the Planning Commission forwarded a recommendation for approval after requesting compatibility changes along the Brandon Woods boundary and access adjustments to reduce turning conflicts.

Several aldermen raised concerns. Alderman Fitter asked whether the applicant could limit sewer output by phase; the applicant’s representative said the development expects to reserve its full unit allotment if the plan and associated land‑swap agreements proceed. Alderman Cox said the land swap and reservoir tie‑ins needed careful contractual review to ensure the city is not disadvantaged. Alderman McCann said he opposed the change in commercial opportunity for the site. One alderman described the architecture in the packet as attractive on paper but said the eventual built product might not meet neighborhood expectations.

The applicant acknowledged board concerns and said it would consider revisions. Staff advised the applicant that if no modifications are submitted, staff will prepare an ordinance reflecting the Planning Commission recommendation for the board’s next meeting; if the applicant submits changes, staff will need additional time to review and prepare a summary for BOMA. No final rezoning ordinance was adopted at this meeting.