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East Ridge council approves first reading of rezoning for 529 Froley Road after neighbor raises drainage, light concerns
Summary
Council passed first reading of an ordinance to rezone 529 Froley Road from RT‑1 (townhomes) to RZ‑10 (single‑family) after hearing from the applicant, who pledged turn‑lane and drainage work, and a nearby resident who said current pipes have caused flooding in his garage.
The East Ridge City Council on June 25 approved on first reading a rezoning request for 529 Froley Road that would change the parcel from RT‑1 (townhome) zoning to RZ‑10 single‑family lot‑line zoning.
Planning staff summarized the request as a downzone: the existing RT‑1 designation would allow up to 108 townhomes, while the proposed RZ‑10 designation would allow 77 single‑family homes — a reduction of 31 lots. The planning commission recommended approval, citing lower density and better transition to adjacent zoning.
Joseph Ingram, the applicant, told the council market conditions prompted the developer to request a downzone and said the project team plans to add a turn lane and make drainage improvements near the entrance. “We’re just asking you to let us down this property and be compliant,” he said, describing planned turn‑lane and drainage work the developer would coordinate with city engineers.
Nearby resident John Clay (530 Froley Road) spoke in opposition, telling the council his home faces the proposed entrance and warning that headlights from cars and increased traffic could produce light pollution on his property. He also urged the council to address stormwater capacity — noting he had water in his garage after heavy rain — and asked whether pipe upsizing or reconfiguration could be part of the project plan.
City staff and the applicant said ACE engineering has inspected the drainage lines and that staff expect to present clearer solutions before second reading. Planning staff also said the proposal would not change the internal road widths in the subdivision; they noted lot sizes would be reduced consistent with the RZ‑10 district but internal infrastructure (road geometry) remains as shown on the submitted plat.
Vote and next steps: Council member Wit moved and Vice Mayor Tyler seconded the motion to approve ordinance 1251 on first reading; the council approved it by roll call (Tyler, Isel, Wit, Mayor Williams voting yes). The council said it expects drainage clarifications and any engineering commitments to be addressed before the second reading.
Why it matters: The rezoning reduces density compared with the previous approval and will change the character and lotting pattern of the proposed development. Resident concerns about drainage and light were taken on record and staff committed to follow up with engineering recommendations before the final vote.
What to expect: If council approves second reading after staff and applicant address the drainage and access items, the final plat will be submitted to the East Ridge Planning Commission for approval, and construction sequencing (turn lane, drainage work, street repairs) will be coordinated with city staff.
