Blythewood planning commission approves 84‑lot Bony Road sketch plan with conditions after heated public comment

The Town of Blythewood Planning Commission on Tuesday approved, by a 3‑2 vote, a sketch plan for an 84‑lot residential subdivision on roughly 40 acres off Bony Road, but attached conditions that the developer address the 17 lots that would connect to the existing Oakhurst subdivision and install 4‑foot sidewalks throughout the project.

The plan, presented by Luke Boatwright, director of land acquisition for Stanley Park Homes, proposes 84 single‑family lots in an R‑8 zoning district. The commission’s motion requires the developer either to revise the 17 lots that would back onto or access Oakhurst so that they match the lot size/character of Oakhurst (the neighborhood’s prevailing R‑20 standard) or to eliminate that set of lots; the motion also requires 4‑foot sidewalks across the subdivision. The motion passed 3‑2.

The vote came after more than two hours of public commentary. Dozens of Oakhurst residents turned out to oppose the portion of the sketch plan on the Oakhurst side, citing traffic, safety and property‑value concerns. Jason Fishbone, an Oakhurst resident, told the commission, "This is a money grab," and residents repeatedly urged the commission to require the developer to make the 17 lots comparable to the existing neighborhood.

"The reality is that our roads are already overwhelmed," Planning Commission Chair Jamal Moseley said during deliberations, noting he was concerned the presented traffic analyses did not account for cumulative growth. "We need to develop and implement a comprehensive infrastructure and traffic management strategy before moving forward with any additional high‑density projects," Moseley added.

Staff member Mr. Wilson (listed in the packet as planning staff) told the commission the parcel is approximately 40 acres and the applicant elected to apply under current regulations rather than wait for a new land development ordinance that may allow higher density. Wilson also noted staff had asked the applicant to provide 4‑foot sidewalks throughout the project and that the applicant indicated the subdivision would be gated at the Bony Road entrance but not gated at the Oakhurst access.

Boatwright said the proposed homes are what the developer calls a "second move up" product, with houses starting in the high $300,000s and ranging toward the $500,000 mark, and that the 17 lots on the Oakhurst side would be served by public sewer (tied in at the lower‑left corner of the site on the developer’s plan). He acknowledged residents’ concerns but said the applicant had chosen to file now rather than later under the new ordinance.

Commissioners considered a separate motion requesting an additional traffic study specifically addressing the Oakhurst access. That motion failed; the commission voted against requiring the extra study. Staff and several residents had argued the traffic study on file focused on the Bony Road intersection and did not analyze impacts inside Oakhurst.

The commission’s approval is for the sketch plan stage. Town and state procedures discussed at the meeting mean the sketch plan gives the developer certain preliminary rights but is not a final plat; subsequent submittals and technical reviews will follow. Town counsel and staff reminded commissioners and the public that state law and the town’s ordinance set deadlines and procedural limits on action, including a 60‑day timeframe for action on sketch plans.

The developer indicated willingness to discuss changes with staff following the vote. The applicant may revise the sketch plan to address the commission’s conditions; any final plan, permits, or appeals would follow the town’s standard review and appeal processes.