Rezoning request for 22.5 acres near East River Road continued after resident raises notice concerns

Putnam County planning staff presented a request to amend the zoning map for 22.5 acres at 229 East River Road and 131 Oak Haven Lane from Planned Unit Development to residential estate to allow a single-family residence. Michael Graves of Planning and Development Services told commissioners the site is designated urban reserve, contains wetlands on GIS layers and portions fall in FEMA Flood Zone AE, and that staff recommends approval consistent with the comprehensive plan.

Resident Stuart Lloyd told the board he photographed the public-notice signs shortly after they were posted in early May and said the signs had been repeatedly mowed down and not replaced, limiting neighborhood notice of the hearing. Reed Matthews, who said he recently purchased the two-acre parcel that prompted the request, told the board the rezoning applies strictly to the 22.5 acres before the board and is not connected to a separate 168-acre tract across East River Road.

Commissioners asked staff about environmental restrictions and were told development would be prohibited in mapped wetlands and that the Department of Environmental Protection would enforce environmental regulations. After public comment and questions, a commissioner moved to continue the case to the July 14 meeting to allow staff time to ensure notice signage is posted; the board approved the continuance. The applicant will be eligible to apply for building and site permits consistent with RE zoning only if and when the commission approves the rezoning on a future reading.

The case will return to the board on July 14 for further consideration and any final vote.