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Commission recommends against Auburn Ridge West rezone after residents raise traffic, water and infrastructure concerns
Summary
The advisory planning commission voted to send an unfavorable recommendation to town council on a proposed rezoning that would allow 90 homes on the Scott Farm, after neighbors and commissioners questioned whether local roads, stormwater and water supply can support the development despite a developer offer of $4,444.44 per lot.
The advisory planning commission voted March 16 to send an unfavorable recommendation to town council on the Auburn Ridge West rezoning, a proposal by MI Homes to rezone roughly 63.9 acres to allow up to 90 single-family lots.
Staff described the request as a mix of R‑2 and R‑1 zoning intended to support single‑family homes and noted the developer’s written commitments, including a per‑lot contribution of $4,444.44 — “a total of $400,000 if we built 90 homes,” the applicant said. Staff told commissioners the proposal aligned with the town’s future land‑use map but emphasized outstanding technical comments and the need for recorded commitments.
Residents at the advertised public hearing pressed the commission on infrastructure. “Responsible growth means ensuring that development does not outpace the infrastructure needed to support it,” said Emily Simmons of Autumn Trail, arguing that the same number of homes and the same constrained roads as in the prior denial did not constitute a substantial change. Multiple neighbors raised water concerns, asking whether homes would rely on wells; developer Dominic Dreyer said the project will be connected to municipal water: “We are not putting these on wells. These would be hooked up to municipal water.”
Traffic and stormwater were recurring themes. Several speakers said nearby county roads and intersections are already stressed; one resident called the proposed per‑lot contribution “laughable” compared with the likely cost of road improvements. MI Homes’ Jonathan Isaacs said the project’s traffic study was updated in December 2024 and that the developer has offered a $400,000 contribution toward road work. He added that sanitary sewer upgrades (impeller/ lift station work) will be the developer’s responsibility if required.
Commissioners debated whether the filing met the UDO’s “substantial change” standard after a prior denial. After extended discussion and public comment, a motion to forward a favorable recommendation failed; a subsequent motion to forward an unfavorable recommendation carried on a roll call vote. The commission’s unfavorable recommendation will be transmitted to the town council for final action.
