Developer seeks rezoning of 177-acre Polecat Mountain site; residents warn of traffic, water and environmental risks

Bradley Dunkel, representing DCCM and the applicant GRID Properties, presented a plan to rezone about 177.43 acres at Sam Nelson Road and Talc Mine Drive from planned development–mixed use (PDMU) to R‑4 single‑family residential, proposing 225 detached homes and permanently preserving roughly 40% of the site as open space.

The applicant said the subdivision would include a 50‑foot perimeter buffer (expanded in some cases), a 10% cap on rental units and minimum lot sizes near 7,150 square feet. “We’re proposing at least 40% of the parcel be permanently preserved as open space,” Bradley Dunkel said during his presentation, and he summarized water, sewer and traffic analyses that staff submitted with the application.

At a City of Canton public hearing, multiple residents urged the council to delay approval until infrastructure questions are resolved. Heather Collins, who said she lives at 22232 Laurel Vista Drive, told council the community supports growth but asked officials to “grow responsibly, strategically, and the way that aligns with the city’s long‑term vision.” Collins highlighted congestion on Highway 140, Sam Nelson Road’s narrow geometry, ongoing water‑pressure problems tied to elevation, and stormwater and erosion risks from large‑scale clearing. She also raised concerns about old talc mines on or near the site and possible air or groundwater impacts if disturbed.

Jeremy Warner, president of the Laurel Canyon Community Association, told council he attended the applicant’s June 10 community meeting and urged denial, citing sewage capacity, water‑pressure issues and increased traffic on Highway 140. “This proposed development would negatively affect not only Laurel Canyon but residents along Sam Nelson and Puckett Creek,” Warner said.

Staff presentation and comments from Cherokee County transportation and the school district were part of the record. County estimates projected about 164 new students from buildout; staff noted that Teasley Middle School would move from about 102% to 106% capacity under the county’s distribution assumptions but said Moore Elementary and Cherokee High would remain under capacity. Staff also flagged required roadway improvements at both proposed entrances and noted that the developer would be responsible for funding any turn lanes or entrance modifications required by Cherokee County transportation.

City staff and the applicant said water and sewer service are available: the site is within a Willowska (Wolleska) service area for water with a 10‑inch main in Sam Nelson Road, and sewer would connect into existing infrastructure via a force main and pump station; staff noted pressures and some localized issues in adjacent subdivisions but said capacity appears sufficient under current modeling. Bradley Dunkel added that sanitary‑system increases from the proposed subdivision would be small relative to treatment capacity.

Mayor Bill Grant closed the hearing after public comments and said council will consider action at its Aug. 6 meeting. No final rezoning vote was taken on July 2.