Board tables rezoning request for North Old Canton area; neighbors seek further study on drainage, traffic and buffer

Developer Brandon Keel requested rezoning of roughly 26 acres near North Old Kent Road to R-1A to permit smaller-lot residential development. Keel appeared with an attorney and said the attached petition seeks R-1A and that prior rezoning on a southern portion had occurred in 2016.

Residents from the Denson Farms neighborhood and nearby addresses strongly opposed the rezoning, citing three primary concerns: watershed/drainage impacts, road and traffic capacity on North Old Canton and adjoining roads, and preservation of the area’s existing two-acre-lot character. Opponents urged the board to require soil and hydrology studies and questioned whether the soils (local clay deposits) would support higher-density development without substantial cut/fill work.

Several residents also noted ongoing litigation and recent approvals nearby and urged the board to consider cumulative impacts. One resident said, “You cannot ethically shed water to another homestead,” and pressed for engineering evidence that runoff would not damage adjacent properties. The developer said he could provide engineering reports and was willing to consider a 25-foot or 50-foot no-cut buffer/setback as a concession; residents said a 25-foot or even a 40-foot buffer would not sufficiently address watershed and visual impacts.

After extended public comment and discussion, a motion was made to table the rezoning request to give the parties an opportunity to meet and see if a compromise or additional studies could resolve issues. The board carried the motion to table by voice vote. The board and applicants noted that rezoning action is separate from watershed/plat/engineering reviews, which will be addressed during planning and permitting if rezoning proceeds.