Neighbors press commission for updated drainage and screening plans for Lionsgate subdivision concept

At a March 17 concept-review presentation for the Lionsgate major subdivision (file P220033), Planning staff described a 12.43-acre proposal for six single-family lots served by public water and private septic; the plan includes a 16-foot "use in common" driveway and a 3.3-acre water-resource easement along the southern property line.

Amy Barcroft of the Development Review Division said the plan has received concept approvals from stormwater and forest conservation, and that forest conservation for a nearby minor subdivision already places an easement on part of the subject property. The concept plan shows stormwater managed with grass swales and a submerged gravel wetland and indicates the county will deed the proposed stormwater parcel to the county.

Several nearby homeowners testified during the public-comment period. Patrick Mullen, identified as the owner of Parcel 329 Lot 18 (his home near the proposed wetland), asked that a cluster of evergreens be planted along the submerged gravel wetland to break up a wintertime visual corridor between his sunroom and Lot 6. He described a steep hill and water that "rushes down my backyard into that stream," requesting restorative plantings to screen views.

Josh Zimmerman, another nearby resident, asked for an updated plan and said he had been told the area would "remain a wetlands behind us the entire time" and voiced concerns that the current concept now proposes changes. Zimmerman asked that homeowners be informed about an apparent third house built on an adjacent development where plans on file did not show that approval; he also asked to see the swale and grading plans because of ongoing flooding from a spring on the property.

Developer representatives said the most recent plan approved by stormwater includes a grass swale and grading that picks up drainage from the adjoining Lions Crossing development and routes it into the submerged gravel wetland; they offered to provide extra plan sets at the preliminary plan stage so homeowners can review updated documents before the plan returns to the commission. A developer partner said they will work with homeowners on screening and aesthetic concerns.

Commission members agreed the concept plan should be reviewed using the most recent stormwater and grading sheets and recommended staff and the developer share the updated plan with adjacent landowners. No final action was taken; the item will return for subsequent review at preliminary plan stage.