Board continues Marrow PUD amendment after concerns about buffers, trees and clearing methods

Marion County commissioners continued consideration of a planned unit development amendment for the Marrow project (case 250508ZP) after several commissioners and residents pressed the applicant for more information about perimeter buffers, tree preservation and how clearing would be conducted.

Growth Services staff explained the amendment would change the minimum townhouse lot width from 25 feet to 20 feet and shift some units into single‑family lots; the applicant’s revised master plan reduces overall unit count compared with the original 2017 approval. Chris Risen of Growth Services described the prior approvals, statutory extensions and the most recent final PD/master plan that prompted the current amendment request.

Applicant representative David Tillman and project team members said the change was driven by a contracted builder that markets a 20‑foot wide townhouse product. Tillman told commissioners the redesign reduces overall density and moves the development toward more single‑family product. He said he would prefer to keep as much of the existing tree line as possible and asked the board to allow the 20‑foot product so the current contract would proceed.

Commissioner Jerri Stone and others pressed for stronger perimeter protections. Commissioners asked for a tree survey, a clear plan showing which trees can be preserved on the north and west boundaries (especially along Countryside Farms), and a written clearing/ash‑control plan specifying methods (for example air‑curtain combustion or other mitigations) rather than open burning practices that neighbors have complained about in the past.

The applicant asked for time to produce the survey and preservation plan. The board voted to continue the item to the June 3 meeting (to be heard immediately following scheduled public hearings that morning), giving the applicant time to submit the requested materials: a tree survey that identifies specimen trees and preservation opportunities, a proposed no‑touch buffer proposal along specified property edges, and a written clearing/composting/combustion plan to reduce smoke and ash impacts during site clearing.

Why it matters: the amendment affects product type, unit counts and the look and environmental impact of an 11‑plus‑acre wooded portion of the site that abuts existing subdivisions. Commissioners emphasized tree retention, clearer clearing procedures, and stronger buffer commitments to reduce nearby residents’ concerns about smoke, ash and visual impacts.

Outcome: continued to June 3 for applicant to provide the requested tree‑survey and buffer/clearing plans.