Board approves preliminary plat for Laurel Grove subdivision off Bridal Road amid traffic and water concerns

The Troup County Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat July 9 for the Laurel Grove subdivision, a proposed 31‑lot phase on about 80 acres off Bridal Road.

Brian Stone, representing BC Stone Homes, described the proposal: Phase 1 would create 31 lots ranging from about 2.002 to 5.141 acres, served by well and septic, with one driveway from Riley Road and the remainder on new internal roads. Stone said the developer has performed preliminary wetland and stream delineations and preliminary soil pokes and that final soil testing will be completed prior to final plat approval. Stone also told the board that the developer "agreed to do the decel lane" (the transcript uses the applicant's term "desal lane"), offering that a deceleration lane will address sight‑distance concerns at the proposed Bridal Road entrance.

Several residents urged the board to require a traffic study and raised safety concerns. Dodie Walker said residents do not want a chain of subdivisions and warned of strain on local wells and septic systems. Mike Lindsey, a 63‑year resident, pressed for a traffic study rather than relying solely on a decel lane, saying the road’s curves and existing traffic warrant further review. Allie, a civil engineer in the county roads and engineering department, said county review determined the likely lot count would not automatically warrant additional lanes but that sight‑distance and intersection analysis are part of the engineering review; she said James (the county engineer) reviewed and signed off prior to his surgery. The board voted to approve the preliminary plat after discussion; the developer agreed to provide the deceleration lane and to complete required engineering steps before final plat.