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Council rejects Powell Place preliminary plat after neighbors oppose density
Summary
After public opposition and debate over lot layout and access, the Washington City Council declined to approve a 17‑lot preliminary subdivision plat for Powell Place, with a motion to approve failing 2–3. The developer and neighbors were encouraged to meet to seek compromises.
Mayor Donald Sadler recused himself from the Powell Place discussion and Mayor Pro tem Richard Brooks presided over the item. City Manager Jonathan Russell and Mike Dail, director of Community & Cultural Services, summarized the request to subdivide parcel #5686‑50‑6934 (the former Racquet Club of Washington) into single‑family lots. The Planning Board recommended approval 5–1.
Marie Peedin, owner and principal engineer at Inner Banks Engineering, presented the preliminary plat and told council the plan meets applicable zoning and subdivision standards. She said the project would generate an estimated 182 vehicle trips per day for 17 lots and asserted the subdivision would produce less impervious surface than the current use. “There is a dire need for housing in Washington,” Peedin said, and added the owners had agreed to design controls, a single builder and landscape buffers to protect neighborhood character.
Neighbors objected. Gary Phillips presented a petition signed by adjacent homeowners who said the plan is overcrowded for the location, raised concerns about compliance with the zoning and subdivision ordinances, objected to a new road on Atkins Drive and urged a smaller plan (10–12 houses) similar to nearby Oak Ridge. Several other residents, including Jerry and Gwen Boone, said they could support fewer lots.
Councilmembers debated technical compliance versus neighborhood impacts. Councilmember Betsy Kane questioned access to a proposed recreational parcel and Lot 9; staff and the developer said technical review (TRC) had approved the plat and that the City could acquire any required recreational space. Councilmember Mike Renn asked whether the developer could feasibly reduce lot count; the developer said reducing lots would not be feasible under current plans but indicated lots 8 and 9 could be combined.
Councilmember Virginia Finnerty moved, seconded by Councilmember Betsy Kane, to accept the Planning Board recommendation and approve a 17‑lot preliminary plat for Powell Place while combining lots 8 and 9 into a single lot. The motion failed, 2–3. No alternate motion to approve the plat was offered. Mayor Pro tem Brooks urged the developer to meet with neighbors to address outstanding concerns.
Next steps: The developer may revise the plat and seek re‑submission; the council did not take further action on Powell Place at the April 12 meeting.
