Commission recommends rezoning of Bent Brook Phase 2 despite neighborhood opposition

The Auburn Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of rezoning case RZ2025-029 for approximately six acres at 2591 and 2595 Glenbrook Drive (Bent Brook Phase 2). The request would change the property’s zoning from Rural to Limited Development District (LDD) to allow subdivision into smaller lots consistent with adjacent parcels.

During the public hearing, Timothy Sluzak, a resident and board member for the Bent Brook homeowners association, spoke for neighbors who oppose the rezoning. "We believe this rezoning for the rural to limited development district would be detrimental to our community for several critical reasons," Sluzak said, citing traffic and safety in the cul-de-sac, loss of neighborhood character and alleged past noncompliance by the applicants. Several other residents reiterated concerns about privacy, buffering and emergency access.

Todd Holt, the applicant, responded that the request is to allow one additional house and to make the lots consistent with the surrounding LDD zoning. "We are simply asking to do what our neighbors just south of us recently did," Holt said, and he disputed claims of HOA violations, noting the contested lots are not part of the Bent Brook HOA.

Staff characterized the rezoning as practical because surrounding properties are already LDD and noted an Alabama Power easement and a conservation overlay that will shape future design and lot access. The commission’s motion recommended approval; staff reminded commissioners that rezonings are finally approved by City Council.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final consideration.