Planning board backs rezoning for townhouse project at 2093 Lizzie Mill Road despite land-use inconsistency

The Selma Planning Board on Monday recommended Town Council approve a rezoning of 17.77 acres at 2093 Lizzie Mill Road from R-20 (low-density residential) to Transitional Residential after concluding the proposal, while inconsistent with the town’s land-use plan, was nonetheless reasonable given the site’s proximity to existing mobile-home parks and nearby collectors.

Justin Lee of Goblin Engineering presented the applicant’s plan for a townhouse development that would include sidewalks, common open spaces, a gazebo, and potential parkland on the southern parcel. Lee said the development envisions about 48 units on the north side and 72 on the south side, and that starting prices were expected to be “around the 200” — a reference to the mid-$200,000s.

Board members pressed the applicant on unit counts, setbacks and landscaping buffers, road ownership and traffic impacts, and whether the proposal would tie into sewer and water infrastructure. Staff noted Lizzie Mill Road appears to be state-maintained and that coordination with the Department of Transportation would likely be required for access improvements.

A local resident who identified himself only as John spoke in support of the project, saying Selma is growing and calling the proposal an opportunity for families to buy homes locally. After deliberation the board moved that the rezoning be recorded as not consistent with the land-use plan but reasonable under the circumstances and voted to recommend approval to Town Council.