Rome planning board conditionally approves Woodhaven 100‑unit site plan
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Summary
The planning board granted conditional approval for Woodhaven Ventures LLC's site plan for roughly 100 multifamily units, subject to city engineer sign‑off on a final right‑of‑way design, RFD hydrant/ladder revisions, and revised boulevard‑facing elevations; the vote was unanimous.
The Rome Planning Board voted Dec. 2 to conditionally approve a site plan from Woodhaven Ventures LLC for about 100 multifamily residential units arranged in ten 10‑unit garden‑style buildings.
Joe Dannebel of Environmental Design Partnership, representing the applicant, described the proposed first phase as a new city street providing access to the apartments, new stormwater infrastructure, connections to public water, and a low‑pressure force main served by grinder pumps because a gravity sewer connection was not feasible. Dannebel said the design anticipates approximately five grinder pump stations tied to a 3‑inch force main to convey flow to the Floyd Avenue gravity sewer.
Architectural and site design details presented by KBB Architecture showed building materials such as manufactured stone, vinyl siding and asphalt shingles; each unit will have a garage plus an additional parking space, and internal sidewalks will connect units to the new street. Dannebel said the lighting plan proposes fewer, lower fixtures on the new street combined with carriage lights for garages to reduce intrusion into second‑floor units.
Community and economic development staff told the board the proposal is generally consistent with the Woodhaven Revitalization Plan (adopted 2018), recalled a prior negative declaration for the overall Woodhaven project (2021), and recommended conditional approval subject to three primary conditions: final right‑of‑way design to the satisfaction of the city engineer and acceptance by the Rome Common Council; plan revisions addressing RFD‑identified hydrant placement and ladder access; and revisions to boulevard‑facing building elevations to increase street engagement in lieu of a 0‑foot build‑to line. Staff said the board has authority under section 80‑9.2(h)(8) to grant leniency on build‑to requirements within the Woodhaven revitalization district.
A board member moved to approve the site plan as recommended by staff with the stated conditions; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. Staff and applicants said further engineering review and permit approvals are required before the city will accept the new street or issue building permits.