Bethania commissioners discuss Allred development, road impacts and possible UDO amendment

At its Oct. 10 meeting, the Town of Bethania Board of Commissioners heard public concern about the proposed Allred property development and potential effects on roads in the Bethania Forest neighborhood.

Resident Greg Silva asked for an update on how the development would relate to local roads. Mayor Brent Rockett said he had called Luke Dickey and offered to meet with him and representatives from Pulte Homes but had not received a response. Rockett also reported that Attorney Bryant is out of town and had told him he was unsure whether the City-County Planning Department would challenge the town on related matters.

Commissioners and members of the public discussed the possibility that privatized roads can be used as stub roads into developments and how that could change the town's influence depending on whether roads remain on Bethania's Powell system. Mayor Rockett said surveyor Tom Riccio is lined up to perform a survey should privatization proceed.

Resident Niki Calhoun told the Commission she favors an amendment to the town's Unified Development Ordinance to address concerns raised by development proposals. Mayor Rockett said he would contact the Planning Board to inquire about the amendment process, and the Commission noted that Attorney Dovel will research how the Town can formulate an amendment to the UDO. No formal vote occurred; the item will move forward as staff and counsel research options.

Next steps: Mayor Rockett will contact the Planning Board, Attorney Dovel will research UDO amendment options, and the Commission will consider the findings at a future meeting.