Neighbors rally against controversial townhome development approval

Residents of Oak Hill Drive expressed strong opposition to a proposed development of 74 townhomes during a recent government meeting, arguing that it violates local zoning ordinances and threatens the character of their low-density neighborhood. The concerns were articulated by several community members, including a resident who detailed their experience with the developer's request for a temporary easement, which they felt was misleading.

The resident highlighted that the development, which is set to be built behind their home, does not align with the existing medium-density zoning requirements. They pointed out that while the development meets the density requirement of three homes per acre, it fails to meet the minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet mandated by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Most proposed lots are significantly smaller, with many around 3,000 square feet, which the resident argued is more suitable for high-density zones.

Legal representation for the concerned residents, Andrew Cornelius, reinforced these points, stating that the approval process for the development was flawed. He noted that the project was initially approved in March 2023 but has not met the necessary criteria for substantial commencement, as defined by the UDO. Cornelius argued that the approval should be revoked due to its violation of local laws, emphasizing that the development's design does not comply with the UDO's stipulations regarding clustering and lot sizes.

Residents also raised concerns about traffic implications, asserting that the development would funnel increased traffic onto Oak Hill Drive, a narrow street not designed to handle such volumes. They called for a reconsideration of the development's access points, suggesting that a secondary entrance on Lancaster Road would be more appropriate.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to vote on revoking the development's approval, allowing for a more thorough review of the project in light of community concerns. The residents emphasized their desire for a development that aligns with the character of their neighborhood, rather than one that imposes high-density living conditions.