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Choctaw Hills residents urge commission to protect neighborhood from apartment development
Summary
Multiple long-time residents told the Hochatown Planning Commission that a proposed rezoning and potential 24-unit apartment development would threaten neighborhood tranquility, create wastewater risks near Yasha Creek and increase traffic on Stevens Gap Road.
Long-time residents of Choctaw Hills testified against rezoning a portion of 427 Stevens Gap Road, telling the commission the area’s character and environmental setting would suffer if the parcel was converted to commercial and used for multi-unit housing. Helen Harden, who said she has owned property in Choctaw Hills since 1993, described the neighborhood as one of the town’s oldest and urged commissioners to "protect our peace."
Speakers described a range of specific concerns: potential septic runoff toward Yasha Creek, increased traffic during the tourist season on Stevens Gap Road, loss of quiet and dark-sky protections, and the effect of a transient population on community stability. One resident told the commission neighbors believed DEQ had indicated the site could support more units than the applicant claimed, saying on the record that DEQ had suggested "30 units with up to 60 people," a characterization the applicant and staff framed as a paraphrase rather than a confirmed approval.
Residents also sought clarity on public-notice procedures after some said they had been unaware teleconference participation would be available. Commissioners and staff explained that the commission’s recommendation goes to the trustees and that additional public hearings would occur if variances or lot consolidations are required.
