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Developer withdraws preliminary plat for Bulls Run after density debate; New Haven Phase 2 dedication tabled
Summary
A developer representing Bulls Run withdrew a preliminary plat request after commissioners debated whether to approve dual options (217 vs. 174 townhomes). Separately, the board tabled acceptance of New Haven Phase 2 infrastructure dedication to the Jan. 6 meeting amid resident runoff/connectivity concerns and to allow County Engineer Jonathan Holm to be present.
The Effingham County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 16 took no action on a contested preliminary-plat filing for the Bulls Run townhome project after a lengthy discussion about density, site-plan approval and how new plans interact with previously approved site plans.
Michael Hussey, of Sundown Land Surveying, spoke for the developer and said the developer wanted the option to build either the previously approved plan (about 217 units originally approved in 2017) or a revised lower-density plan of roughly 174 townhomes. "He just wants to make sure that's not a problem," Hussey said when describing the purchaser's request to retain flexibility.
Commissioners debated whether approving two alternative site-plan footprints was procedurally possible and whether a reduced-density submittal would be subject to newer architectural and design standards. Staff noted the ordinance threshold for "substantial change" requires board review; some commissioners said they were comfortable with lower density while others were wary of approving two competing plans. After discussion the applicant withdrew the preliminary plat from the agenda and indicated they would either rely on the previously approved plan or return with a new site plan under current standards.
Separately, the board tabled acceptance and warranty deed action for New Haven Phase 2 (roads, water, sewer and drainage located on Hodville Road in the 2nd District) to the Jan. 6 meeting. County staff said the county engineer had inspected the work and the county attorney had reviewed the warranty deed, but commissioners asked for more time because of resident emails about runoff, flooding behind townhomes and sidewalk/connectivity issues; one commissioner specifically requested Jonathan Holm be present to answer outstanding technical questions.
Both items will return to the board at the January meeting for further action; the Bulls Run applicant withdrew the plat rather than pursue an immediate vote.
