Council defers South Chakar rezoning after neighbors raise floodplain and access concerns

Neighbors of the Whitney Ridge neighborhood told the council they needed more time to review and negotiate details of a proposed rezoning at 9705 South Chakar Road. Joe Croell, a neighborhood representative, said residents had only recently learned of revised easement and buffer commitments and asked for a postponement so outstanding issues — including the number of lots, a construction access easement and floodplain/runoff impacts — could be resolved.

"We're just hearing about the easement last night. We're just hearing about the buffer today," Croell said, asking the council to defer the item. Daryl Patterson, another neighbor, said many residents had signed petitions and sought a 30‑day delay to hold a neighborhood meeting.

Councilman Stone said he appreciated the mediation efforts between the developer and neighbors and moved to defer the item for two weeks to allow additional community meetings; the motion passed unanimously. Staff and the applicant told the council they had agreed in principle to provide a construction/emergency access easement to the east of Chalkaw Road and to require a 40‑foot separation along the south right‑of‑way with trees planted on 20‑foot centers within the buffer zone.

The council rescheduled the matter for the meeting two weeks hence so neighbors and the developer could continue negotiations.