Resident concerns over screening at Lakeside development prompt developer response

A complainant told the council there is inadequate screening between homes on Piney Hill Road and the Lakeside development. James Cook provided documentation and explained the location includes a minimum 50-foot buffer; he said the proposed trees will be planted when the first house is under construction and proposed moving them from the north side of the swale to the south side so they sit closer to Piney Hill residents. President Newnam suggested adding shrubbery and native grasses because trees can take time to provide the desired barrier; Mr. Cook agreed to coordinate with Planning Commission member Richard Allison on tree selection and to consider additional plantings.

The council expressed satisfaction with the developer’s response and authorized Lakeside to move forward with the revised planting plan. The minutes record that the council’s permission allows Lakeside to proceed with planting adjustments; no formal vote or conditions beyond coordination with the planning commission are recorded.