Council approves rezoning of 1012 Fernwood Drive to planned development for Woodland Terrace expansion

After a public hearing on Nov. 12, the Milledgeville City Council voted to rezone property at 1012 Fernwood Drive from single-family residential to PD (planned development), approving a request by Woodland Terrace Properties to finish the final phase of an existing community.

Sandra Witherspoon, the city’s Building Official, presented the Planning & Zoning advisory decision recommending approval. Randy Griffin, managing member of Woodland Terrace Properties, described the project: eight duplexes (16 additional patio homes), a roughly 2,800-square-foot clubhouse and units of about 450 square feet with two bedrooms and two baths. Griffin said the assisted-living portion of the existing development is full and that the expansion would complete the community; he told council the developer hopes to break ground in early spring.

Council asked for clarification about an open area on the site plan; Griffin said that space would contain stormwater detention and a buffer. No speakers registered opposition during the hearing, so no rebuttal was needed. A motion to accept the Planning & Zoning findings and approve the rezoning was made, seconded and approved by roll call with all present councilmembers voting in favor.

Why it matters: the rezoning enables a private development expansion that will add housing units and a clubhouse in the city. Council’s approval follows the Planning & Zoning advisory recommendation and the applicant’s presentation, with conditions on stormwater detention and buffering described during the hearing.

Next steps: the developer will proceed with civil-engineering work and seek building permits as the project moves toward a spring construction start, subject to required permits and inspections.