By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
Two new housing developments got the go-ahead from the Woodruff Planning Commission at their meeting on February 17. The developments are expected to bring 280 new homes to the area of Varner Road and Highway 221.
Commissioners previously tabled the zoning request for the two projects until a developer representative could attend and answer questions about the projects. The two projects, one consisting of approximately 49 acres near the intersection of Varner Road and Highway 221 and the other involving just over 48 acres on Varner Road, are being developed by the same company.
Blake Loudermilk, executive vice president for LyonJay, attended the special call meeting to answer the Commissioners’ questions.
Chairman Clay Varner led the questioning asking why the developers decided on Woodruff for their projects. Loudermilk explained that Woodruff is a highly sought area for homebuilders, making it a popular location for land developers. He also indicated that the feasibility of the properties for development was favorable.
Commissioner Charlie Mae Gilliam said she had some concerns regarding the completion of the project and wanted to know the developer’s commitment to seeing it through. Loudermilk said they were committed to improving the community and have not yet had a project go unfinished.
According to the developer, the projects were expected to have 162 and 110 home lots with homes expected to sell in the $200,000 to $300,000 price range.
Commissioner Keith Hunter asked about traffic studies and if they were doing their due diligence to address increased traffic. Loudermilk told the Commission that the company is doing all required studies and that the area has plenty of capacity for the relatively small amount of traffic that the developments will create.
With their questions addressed by the developer, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the rezoning of the parcels. The zoning request will now go to the City Council at their February 22 meeting.
Following the zoning requests, City Manager Lee Bailey addressed the Commission regarding the city’s efforts to develop a Capital Improvement Plan and the potential for implementing a development impact fee program.
“We are growing, and things are happening here,” Bailey told the Commission. “Our population is set to triple in the next five years.”
To address that growth, city leaders have been working with a consultant to develop a Capital Improvement Plan to address the growth and the needs of a much larger community. Bailey said it’s critical to ensure that the city stays ahead of the growth to be prepared.
“How do we provide services to all these people? What do we need, and how do we plan for it?” he added.
Bailey said the improvement plan is being finalized and will be presented to the Planning Commission in the coming months.
Author: Tracy Sanders
