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Commissioners recommend rezoning for Cooper property with $1M Habitat pledge and Hometown Heroes units
Summary
The board recommended approval of a conditional rezoning for roughly 74.5 acres (Cooper property) to allow up to 300 residential units, including a $1 million payment to Chattam Habitat for Humanity and at least 5% of units reserved for Hometown Heroes; conditions require multiple access connections, retention of open space, and transportation measures.
The Board of Commissioners on April 13 recommended approval of a conditional rezoning for the Cooper property (PB25345), a roughly 74.5‑acre site proposed for multifamily residential development of up to 300 units.
Planning staff presented the proposal and its conditions, which include construction of two public street connections prior to issuance of the 100th certificate of occupancy, an extension of Old Rock Springs Cemetery Road to the site, multiuse path and landscape screening, and an affordable‑housing commitment. The project would provide a $1 million payment to Chattam Habitat for Humanity and offer at least 5% of units through a DRB 'Hometown Heroes' program, with units distributed throughout the development.
“Planning staff recommends approval of rezoning case PB25345 Cooper property with the conditions offered by the applicant,” a staff presentation stated. The planning board had previously recommended approval with a request to expand the affordable‑housing condition to include municipal employees; the applicant accepted that modification during subsequent discussions.
During the public hearing, several residents raised concerns over tree loss, stormwater runoff and proximity to existing neighborhoods. Resident Sarah FA urged the board to weigh community survey responses favoring environmental protection and asked for a larger buffer along the Pow Place subdivision. Applicant representatives said they had adjusted buffers and offered a 30‑foot landscaped strip where no buffer had been required.
On infrastructure, staff and the applicant described a traffic‑impact analysis (TIA) that assumes signalization at the Old Rock Springs Cemetery Road/Hillsboro Street intersection as part of broader area development. The applicant agreed to required turn lanes and other TIA recommendations; Tri River Water and other utilities will review construction drawings during permitting.
The board voted in favor of the rezoning recommendation after questions about buffers, stormwater controls (applicant committed to limit post‑development peak flows to pre‑development rates for the 25‑year storm), and public‑access connections.
What happens next: The conditional rezoning recommendation advances as part of the town’s legislative process; construction drawings, utility approvals and final plats must comply with the conditions discussed in the staff report. The applicant also committed to coordinate affordable‑housing delivery with Chattam Habitat for Humanity.
Speakers quoted: Planning staff summarized conditions and the TIA; applicant representative Adam Ashb highlighted interagency coordination and the affordable‑housing pledge.
