Garrett Farms developer says homebuilding will begin in July after drainage work

Chris Smith, representing developer LGI, told the Harpersville Planning & Zoning Board on June 15 that construction at the Garrett Farms subdivision is expected to begin in early July, starting with seven homes and then building three at a time until roughly 20 homes are complete.

The update, delivered during the board's Old Business discussion, said the developer halted earlier work to rework drainage piping and address water-flow issues that slowed progress. Smith said the project team finished the road surface and that a high local water table influenced the timing of the final road coat.

"We anticipate building will begin early July starting with seven homes," Smith said. He told the board that the team expects wear and tear from ongoing heavy equipment and acknowledged the roads will likely need resurfacing once construction is complete. Smith said applying a final coat now would help limit long-term road problems given the high water table in town.

Mayor Theoangelo Perkins asked why the developer placed a final road coat while heavy machinery still access the site. Smith said the decision balanced short-term wear against long-term drainage and pavement performance, and that the final surfacing was intended to reduce road problems after completion.

The board did not take formal action on the development at the meeting. Chairman David Sanders said he had invited a representative from a separate Morgan Creek development to update the board but that the representative had a schedule conflict and is expected at a future meeting.

The board also approved routine meeting business at the start of the session, and later recommended a separate moratorium on data centers (see related article). The planning board's next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20, 2026.