Central commission approves Joel Road four-lot subdivision after neighbors raise drainage concerns

The City of Central commission voted to approve a preliminary and final plat to subdivide part of the A.J. Browning property on Joel Road into four lots, after residents raised concerns about drainage and possible flooding.

Resident Ronald Lowry said his property at 8656 Drawer Road already “stays wet most of the year” and that adding four houses on the adjacent lot could “cause major flooding.” Tracy Hunt, a nearby property owner, also questioned how a parcel the size of her mother’s previously denied subdivision could now be split into four lots.

Jeff Diamond, representing HSC Holdings and presenting on behalf of the applicant, said the tract is about 4.5 acres and would be divided into four tracts just over one acre each. He said any homes would require the City of Central’s standard permitting, would be reviewed under chapter 7 of the Unified Development Code, and could require engineering review. He added the applicant performed an offsite drainage analysis and detention design and expressed confidence in the model.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on conveyance zones, culvert size and lidar-mapped shallow swales along the property line. Diamond said the typical roadway section will include cross drains and perimeter swales; he said construction plans and any required engineering review would clarify details.

Commission member Mr. Fernau said he did not see a reason to deny the application. A motion to approve carried after a roll call in which Fernau, Offer, Pino and Chair Bonnie were recorded as voting yes.

The commission’s approval is for the subdivision plat; Diamond noted that individual home sites and any future construction must still comply with permitting and engineering requirements. The public hearing was considered held and the commission moved on to other business.