Developer withdraws 145-acre rezoning application after residents raise traffic and water concerns

The applicant for ZCH24-0001, a proposed AG-to-single-family rezoning and planned unit development for roughly 145 acres northeast of Cosby Road and Old Airport Road, withdrew the application before Planning & Zoning and again before council. Because the hearing had been advertised, council opened the public hearing to allow residents to speak; multiple neighbors outlined concerns about traffic safety, infrastructure and annexation.

Pat Larkin said she believed the property had not been annexed and asked whether rezoning would be "putting the cart before the horse." She also asked who receives mitigation fees and when road improvements would occur. Val Grooms (2706 Cosby Road) and other residents asked that construction traffic use Airport Road rather than Cosby; Kim Dixon referenced falling water pressure in surrounding areas and asked where water for new development would come from. Kevin Davis warned that turning Ethan Drive and Zachary Drive into thoroughfares could create cut-through traffic when I-20 is congested.

Staff confirmed the application was withdrawn and that the applicant would need to repost and notify neighbors if it returns for consideration. No council action was required at this meeting.

Why it matters: The public hearing revealed local infrastructure concerns (roads, sidewalks, water, school access) that would need to be addressed in any future submittal; the applicant's withdrawal means the community will have at least one more formal opportunity for input if the developer reapplies.