Commissioners postpone decision on EC New Vision conservation subdivision; ask developer to relocate amenity area

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners on May 6, 2025, postponed for two weeks a decision on an 88.1-acre rezoning request from EC New Vision Georgia LLC to allow a conservation‑design R‑20 subdivision, citing concerns about the planned placement of an outdoor amenity area near existing neighboring homes.

Planning staff reported the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the rezoning with 18 conditions and one concurrent variance: reducing a 75-foot exterior buffer to 50 feet for lots 71–83. The applicant proffered additional commitments including limiting amenity hours, no lighting on pickleball courts, and provision of sound barriers adjacent to courts.

Chairman Harry B. Johnston and multiple commissioners said the conservation design offered net benefits—larger buffers, preservation and restoration of the lake and open space—but they objected to the amenity center’s location on the perimeter. "The last remaining is the placement of the amenity center so close to the adjacent neighborhood, with those homes really bearing the brunt of noise and activity associated with that," Johnston said. Commissioners asked the applicant to relocate the amenity area to be internal to the community or at least about 200 feet from any external property line.

Commissioner Wetherby made a motion to postpone action for two weeks for the applicant to submit a revised site plan showing the amenity relocated; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. If the applicant needs more time staff and the developer were asked to notify the board. The board's postponement preserves the Planning Commission’s conditional approval but requires the revised plan for final county action.

Ending: Staff and the applicant were directed to prepare a revised site plan addressing the amenity location and other site conditions for the board’s meeting two weeks hence.