Bethania commissioners hear residents’ concerns about roads tied to proposed Allred development, mayor to explore UDO amendment

Residents urged the Town of Bethania to address potential traffic and access impacts from a proposed Allred property development during public comment at the Nov. 14 board meeting.

Greg Silva asked for an update on how the project would affect roads in Bethania Forest. Mayor Brent Rockett said he had a virtual meeting with representatives of Pulte Homes, during which the developer outlined three possible approaches: close the roads, allow emergency-vehicle-only access via specialized devices that permit emergency vehicles to cross but block regular traffic, or modify the way the road connects to Queens Grant with measures such as speed bumps or tables.

Rockett said Pulte Homes does not want to pursue any option that would interfere with the City–County planning permitting process. He said he has scheduled a meeting with Attorney Bryant to discuss initiating the process to propose an amendment to the town's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Rockett also told the board that indications are construction may not begin until next year while permitting continues.

At the meeting resident Liz Tatum asked whether a gate could be installed at the Queens Grant entrance. Rockett replied gates are only permissible where streets are private; Queens Grant is on the town's Powell Street System and remains public, so a gate would not be appropriate under current status.