Residents object to Deans Bridge rezoning; commission defers item and orders courthouse safety workshop

Residents told the commission they oppose a rezoning (item identified in the hearing as Z-2617/Z-26-07) that would convert 2933 Deans Bridge Road from R-1A to B-1 to permit a child care facility for a minimum of 24 children. Keith Wells, representing neighbors on the 2900 block of Deans Bridge, said the site has a single steep entrance/exit onto the southbound lane of a high-speed corridor, that drivers would be forced into U-turns near a signalized intersection, and that heavy drop-off/pick-up traffic during rush hours would create safety hazards.

Wells also said the Planning Commission hearing record was incomplete because a microphone failure made portions of the presentation and public comment inaudible and that residents were unable to obtain traffic and technical studies in advance without filing an open-records request. Several commissioners said they had received constituent complaints and moved to remove the rezoning from the consent agenda to allow additional review; Director Cameron said staff could provide further analysis and that the case may also need BZA consideration for requested variances.

Separately, after public delegations, Commissioner Jordan Johnson successfully moved that the commission host a working meeting with administration, law enforcement and judicial partners to develop additional courthouse safety measures and return a report to the commission within 120 days. Commissioners said the issue could involve land access, coordination with railroads, and potential budget implications; the motion passed with several commissioners noted absent for the vote.