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Residents raise deforestation concerns as Sunnyside Drive rezoning clears first reading
Summary
Residents urged the Forest Acres City Council to reconsider tree loss tied to a Sunnyside Drive rezoning; council passed first reading of the rezoning while a developer representative said the plan will limit disturbance and keep density ultra‑low.
Residents raised concerns about tree removal and neighborhood character as the Forest Acres City Council considered a zoning change for two Sunnyside Drive parcels on May 12.
The council took first reading of an ordinance to change 1338 and 1346 Sunnyside Drive from PDD (Planned Development District) to R‑1 (Low Density Residential). A representative from the Wilson Company told the council that the development agreement with the property owners “keeps the development to ultra‑low density so that the vegetation will be disturbed at a minimum.” Council passed first reading 3–0; Council member Ryan Newton recused himself from discussion and vote.
During the community forum, Resident Joseph Powell and non‑resident Amy Larkin voiced concern about what they described as upcoming development and excessive deforestation on Sunnyside Drive. Council members and staff did not record a technical response to measures to preserve existing tree canopy beyond the developer’s statement; Council directed planning staff to return the ordinance for second reading consistent with municipal notice requirements.
The rezoning passed first reading; further environmental protections, tree‑preservation requirements or binding mitigation were not specified in the meeting record. The matter will return to Council for subsequent consideration.
