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Rezoning for Somerset extension stalls after strong Smallwood opposition; motion fails
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Summary
A rezoning request to change 11.98 acres from PUD to R6S drew sustained public objection from Smallwood residents over traffic, lot size and property‑value concerns; Councilmember Renn moved to approve but the motion failed for lack of a second after the hearing.
A public hearing on Nov. 14 over a rezoning request for nearly 12 acres adjacent to the Somerset and Smallwood subdivisions ended without action after strong resident opposition and a failed council motion.
The applicant sought to rezone parcel #5686‑67‑0494 (11.98 acres) from PUD to R6S to allow residential development that would extend the existing Somerset subdivision. Dozens of residents from the neighboring Smallwood subdivision spoke against the rezoning, raising traffic, lot‑size and property‑value concerns and saying they oppose opening Thomas Place to through traffic. Petition organizers said more than 300 Smallwood residents had signed a petition opposing a new connection.
"The rezoning would allow the developer to jam more houses into a smaller area," said resident Mike Weeks during the public comment period. Several other residents, including Pat Griffin and Peter Champion, cited accidents and existing traffic problems.
Mike Dail, Planning & Development Director, and Sam Jarvis, project engineer working with developer Chris Furlough, said the developer intends larger single‑family lots than some residents feared. Jarvis said the proposed lots would generally range from about 8,000 to 12,000 square feet and that the developer intends any connection at Thomas Place to be used as an emergency access rather than a primary through street: "...they want to present and have plans to present that the access to Thomas Place not be required and that it only be used as an emergency access." Dail cautioned that a rezoning is a legislative action and does not bind future subdivision design.
Councilmember Lou Hodges was recused from consideration because her employer is the developer. Councilmember Mike Renn moved to adopt the ordinance and approve the rezoning based on Planning Board recommendation and consistency with the Comprehensive/CAMA Future Land Use Map; the motion failed for lack of a second and no further action was taken.
Why it matters: Rezoning decisions determine permitted future uses and potential lot densities; neighbors said the change could alter neighborhood character and traffic patterns. The record shows active community opposition and a council that declined to act at this meeting.