Applicant seeks rezoning for Wacona Heights Phase 3 to allow townhomes near Wacona Elementary

At a May 12 public hearing, applicant Dedric Wright asked the Ware County Board of Commissioners to rezone lots 45–51 and 58–64 in the planned Wacona Heights Phase 3 from R-90 to R-45 so he can build higher-density townhomes intended as workforce and alternative housing.

Planning and Codes Director Dustin Minchew presented maps and a townhouse rendering and said the proposed development lies across from Wacona Elementary. Minchew and the applicant discussed placing a cul-de-sac at the end of the development to deter school-related cut-through traffic.

Commissioner Leonard Burse noted the new townhomes would back up to a Dollar General and to existing single-family houses and confirmed the units are planned to be sold to individual owners rather than rented. Burse expressed support for the design as an option for buyers who do not want large yards.

Resident Theo Mackey spoke during public comment, saying he was not opposed to the rezoning but that Sierra Drive is narrow and could see extra traffic and on-street parking that would impede vehicles. Mackey also flagged reduced visibility at the proposed entrance and suggested placing the cul-de-sac at the Sierra Drive end and routing access from W. Wacona Drive. Mr. Wright said he did not want the road from W. Wacona Drive to Sierra Drive to be a through street so that school traffic would not use it as a shortcut.

The board took no final zoning action at the hearing; the Wacona Heights Phase 3 rezoning was recorded as added to the regular meeting agenda for consideration on June 9, 2025.