Strong neighborhood opposition greets first reading for 7-lot Bob Jones proposal

City council members approved a first-reading zoning change April 15 for roughly 8.4 acres at 500 East Bob Jones Road, but the concept plan for seven single-family lots drew sustained public opposition from residents who said the proposal would alter a rural, equestrian corridor and add unwanted traffic.

What the proposal would do The applicant seeks to rezone the parcel from Agricultural to SF-1A (single-family 1-acre) and to record a concept plan proposing seven lots. The concept plan shows six new home sites and one existing home that would remain; the average lot area in the concept is about 47,255 square feet and the smallest lot size shown is above one acre.

Public concerns Dozens of neighbors testified or submitted written comments opposing the proposal. Their concerns included: - Loss of rural, wooded character and wildlife habitat; several speakers noted the property27s visual connection to the Bob Jones Nature Center. - Traffic and safety on East Bob Jones Road, which residents said already includes narrow lanes and blind curves. - Drainage and stormwater impacts: neighbors asked how runoff would be managed and whether existing creek and culvert capacity would be sufficient. - Precedent: multiple residents warned that approving the proposal could encourage further subdivision of large estates along the corridor.

Developer response and council direction The applicant27s team said the proposal conforms to the city27s future land-use designation (low-density residential) and that the parcels would be served by on-site aerobic septic systems; staff confirmed there were no immediate water-pressure issues at nearby test points. The team also said it would preserve perimeter fencing and plant a minimum of five 6-inch-caliper trees per lot and that construction hours would be limited to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Council asked staff and the applicant to provide additional material for second reading, including: - A refined tree-survey and tree-preservation plan indicating how canopy targets will be met, - Clarification of how the proposed scheme aligns with the city27s consolidated future land-use plan (council requested staff analysis of specific plan language cited by opponents), - Details on driveway stacking and whether sidewalks or street lighting will be proposed or escrowed, and - Any further civil engineering information on drainage, retaining walls and grading that affects neighboring properties.

Vote and next steps Mayor Pro Tem Randy Williamson moved first-reading approval; the motion passed 6-0. Staff and the applicant will return to council with the requested details before a final vote.