Canton council hears public concerns as developer offers to revert Longview master plan to 124 units

Canton council held a public hearing Oct. 2 on master plan case MP2508-001 and conditional use permit CUP2508-002 for property at Longview Street and Doctor John T. Pettit Street, where a developer proposed a revised layout that would increase residential density and add townhomes.

The proposal submitted by the applicant would increase the approved project from 124 units to 143: 15 single-family detached homes, 80 townhomes and 48 duplex units. Planning staff told council the applicant also requested a variance reducing the city’s required minimum percent of land area for single-family detached uses from 25% to 15%. Mr. Green, planning staff, noted the city engineer said the submitted traffic study did not take into account the effects the development may have on Longview Street and that roadway improvements such as turn lanes may be required.

Neighbors who live on Longview Drive described the road as narrow, without shoulders or safe pullouts, and said existing utilities and the sewer line are antiquated. Doc Evans, who said he lives at 640 Longview Drive, told council that sign notification was hard to see, that traffic and emergency access on Longview are unsafe and that water and power systems “do not provide room for any…