Planning board approves preliminary plat for 19‑lot Ironwood subdivision with construction‑plan condition

The Rome Planning Board voted to issue a SEQR negative declaration and to approve a preliminary plat for a proposed 19‑lot subdivision at the end of Ironwood Drive, with a condition that the developer submit a detailed construction plan with the final plat application.

The board’s action follows a public hearing in which neighbors raised concerns about stormwater, truck traffic and construction access. Jeff Moore of Moore Land Surveying, representing the applicant Florida Dream Homes, told the board the project is at the top of a hill and “this project is extremely dry,” and that engineered tests in the application show adequate percolation and nine‑foot soil depths. Moore said the site design includes storm basins and that runoff would be contained within the lots and directed away from adjacent homes toward the south and into lot 39.

Residents disputed the site description and objected to using Ironwood Drive as the primary construction entrance. “Who should bear the cost? The developer or the neighbors?” asked Kevin O’Shea, a nearby homeowner, arguing that increased daily vehicle trips, noise and logging activity would change the character of the neighborhood. Robert Pulsi and other residents said alternative access via Forest Lane or adjoining parcels would reduce neighborhood disruption and long‑term impacts.

Councilman Frank Anderson, whose 5th Ward includes the site, said he supports neighbors’ concerns and urged mitigation steps, particularly for stormwater and site preparation. Board and staff discussion noted the subdivision is a permitted use at the proposed density; planning staff advised that the proposed parcels comply with size and density rules and reported no evidence of regulated wetlands or protected natural communities in the application materials.

The board approved the SEQR negative declaration by voice vote and then approved the preliminary plat with the condition that the developer provide a detailed construction plan (including sequencing, construction entrance measures and timing) as part of the final plat submission. The planning staff and speakers said the detailed plan will be reviewed by city engineers and addressed when the applicant returns for final plat approval.

The board also discussed a third‑party engineering review previously requested by the board on a separate site plan matter; staff said a scoping meeting with a proposed review firm is scheduled, and that review is expected to be completed by the next meeting.

The planning board’s approval is conceptual: the preliminary plat grants conceptual site layout approval only. Specific infrastructure design, stormwater engineering and construction details will be required with the final plat and permits.