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Commissioners approve Blue Fern rezoning with nine conditions after resident concerns
Summary
The board approved rezoning 100.34 acres on Blue Jay Road from AR-1 to R-5 for single-family development with nine conditions, after residents urged larger buffers and opponents raised stormwater concerns; the motion passed 4–1 with Commissioner Helmly opposed.
Planning staff presented a request from Blue Fern Management, acting as agent for Charles Ale, to rezone roughly 100.34 acres on Blue Jay Road from AR-1 to R-5 to allow single-family detached homes. Planning Manager Chelsie Fernald told the board the proposed development meets R-5 requirements including diverse lot sizes and 41 overflow parking spaces.
Several nearby residents — Alex Cameron, Adrienne Weber, John Giordano and Michael Harrington — spoke in favor of a well-planned community, asking the developer to avoid wetland impacts, provide a comprehensive amenities package, increase buffers and ensure larger lot sizes and appropriate fencing. Opponents Emily and Jeff Height raised concerns about stormwater drainage and potential impacts to neighboring properties.
Commissioner Forrest Floyd moved to approve the rezoning with nine conditions, including preliminary plat approval by the board; compliance with county buffer, stormwater and flood-protection ordinances; adherence to R-5 design standards (Appendix C, Article V, Section 5.17); a 1,600-square-foot minimum heated area per home; required fencing types where lots abut neighbors; completion of amenities once 50% of certificates of occupancy are issued; and provision of right and left turn lanes at the development entrance along Blue Jay Road. Vice Chair Roger Burdette seconded the motion.
Commissioner Elizabeth (Beth) Helmly opposed the rezoning; the minutes record the motion carried 4 to 1. The board postponed the second-reading action to March 4, 2025 to incorporate additional stipulations into the approval.
The developer will next prepare a preliminary plat for board review and must submit site-development plans showing compliance with the county’s Water Resources Protection Ordinance and Stormwater Management Local Design Manual before receiving permits.
