Planning commission backs Miller’s Crossing PUD with amended sidewalk condition

The Augusta Georgia Planning Commission on a voice vote approved a rezoning request (Z-25-34) to allow a planned unit development called Miller’s Crossing on 25.71 acres along Gordon Highway, with conditions limiting building heights, requiring green space and amending sidewalk requirements at the developer’s request.

Staff said the PUD would include up to 117 residential units — a mix of detached single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes and triplexes — and noted prior approvals for the larger Miller’s Crossing project. Amanda Cruz, planner I, told the commission that engineering and utilities flagged that water and sewer for this phase depend on completion of phase 1, and that wetlands on the site require buffers and separation. Cruz also summarized a submitted 2023 traffic study that recommended a signal at the site driveway and turn-lane improvements.

Developer Matt Mills described the proposal as a “better product” than the previously approved townhome plan, saying the units would be rental (build-to-rent) and designed with more curb appeal than typical townhomes. Mills said the proposal would reduce the county’s maintenance obligations because internal roads would be private. He also said the project already had traffic-study approval for a signal and that the project would include more buffer than the minimum 15% green space because of wetlands.

Commissioners and nearby residents asked about amenities, maintenance and preservation of wetlands. Staff and the applicant confirmed the final PUD conditions require a minimum 15% green space, buffer widths where the PUD adjoins commercial or single-family zoning, six-foot privacy fences adjacent to single-family areas, and amenity areas to include grill areas by the pond and a splash pad or pool and walking trails "to be jointly accessible to residents of all phases." Engineering advised the drainage system could not tie into a Miller’s Crossing pond if dedicated and explained access and master-metering requirements for utilities.

Mills asked for flexibility on sidewalk placement along private internal streets, noting site-specific grade constraints and a small landscaped kiosk area where dual sidewalks would be impractical. Planning staff proposed and the commission accepted an amended condition that sidewalks be provided on both sides of internal streets except at the main entrance/kiosk area where sidewalks may be required only on one side; Mills agreed to refine locations with staff before final site plan approval.

The commission’s approval included conditions that the PUD: limit buildings to two stories; substantially conform to the conceptual plan dated July 30, 2025; maintain an overall residential density not to exceed 4.55 dwelling units per acre for the 25.71-acre parcel; provide an average of 2.25 parking spaces per unit (with final parking per Section 4-2 of the zoning ordinance); provide required buffers and a minimum 15% overall green space; comply with tree ordinance requirements; and obtain site-plan approval and any required engineering permits before construction.

The item will move to the full Augusta Commission for final action on Oct. 21.