MDC approves rezoning of 61.55-acre Dalton property at 7500 South Sherman Drive

The Metropolitan Development Commission voted 7-0 on April 2 to approve petition 2024ZON144, rezoning about 61.55 acres at 7500 South Sherman Drive in Perry Township from the DA district to D3, subject to commitments the developer made during the hearing.

The petition was presented by Russell Brown, attorney with the Clark Quinn law firm, who said the project — tentatively named "The Trees at Southport Crossing" by Davis Building Group — would be a cluster-style single-family development that preserves significant open space and wetlands. "The petition before you today seeks to rezone approximately 61 largely undeveloped acres ... to the D3 zoning classification," Brown said during the hearing.

The commission’s approval followed a formal staff recommendation and a favorable hearing-examiner report. Staff told the commission the site fits the comprehensive plan’s recommendation for "suburban neighborhood" with a typical density range of 2 to 5 units per acre, and noted the developer’s commitments to preserve tree and wetland areas.

Why it matters: The decision allows a developer-controlled subdivision under D3 rules to proceed to the next design and platting stages, where infrastructure, drainage and final lot layout will be established. Opponents said the rezoning, as presented, raises safety and environmental concerns for the surrounding neighborhoods.

What the developer proposed and committed Russell Brown…