Neighbors push back; planning commission continues contested Mahama Bluff PUD to May 5

The Clay County Planning Commission granted a continuance for PUD25009, a proposed rezoning and PCD request on County Road 209 at Mahama Bluff, after several residents urged commissioners to deny plans they said would erode long‑standing residential character and increase traffic and safety risks.

Agent Kelly Hartwig asked the commission for additional time to revise the site plan and work with neighbors; Hartwig said she planned to run changes by staff and return as soon as possible. Several neighbors urged delay or denial during the public hearing. Joan Basley said the community had previously agreed to buffer standards and cautioned that the proposed plan would remove natural buffers and add intense commercial activity near homes and a bus stop. "The proposed plan is much more intense than we feel is reasonable," Basley said.

Eddie Knight told the commission that a historic cemetery is less than a mile from the site and said the area includes long‑established neighborhoods that should be protected from major commercial expansion. Other residents — including Kathy Knight, Dorothy Gilland and Melissa Alex — called out safety concerns for children at a nearby bus stop, speeding on County Road 209, loss of a perimeter buffer and additional light and noise.

Commissioners and staff discussed buffer widths, lighting standards and parking/shared‑parking allocations. Several commissioners supported a continuance so the applicant could address the community’s concerns and produce a refined site plan. A motion to continue the item two months — to the May 5 meeting or as soon thereafter as it can be heard — passed by voice vote.

The applicant will return with a revised site plan and ordinance language for the commission and then, if recommended, to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.