Neighbors come out against proposed neighborhood near Varnell
The proposed rezoning for a new neighborhood along Kathy Lake and Reed Roads near Varnell. (From: Whitfield County Planning Commission)
VARNELL, Ga. (WDEF)- Rapid development continues to be a topic of discussion all across the Tennessee Valley.
This week that conversation intensified in Whitfield County.
The backlash from the Varnell community is directed at a proposed neighborhood on 251 acres of land.
This would be located on Kathy Lake and Reed Roads north of Highway 201.
The proposal, brought forward by JAD and Levitt, would bring hundreds of new homes around the $300,000 range to the area.
They requested the Planning Commission to support a rezoning from an agricultural lot to the most dense version of a rural residential neighborhood, R-5.
Developers say that they would be open to a lower density but added that Whitfield County’s zoning regulations aren’t flexible.
Drew Lewis, one of the developers, told the Commission that, “We do need to make it worthwhile, but I could see it being a combination of R-2 and R-3 if that was an availability but I know that Whitfield County doesn’t have that zoning available.”
One of the concerns residents brought up is the condition of the two lane roads surrounding the property.
Reed Road in particular north of Highway 201 is a road many residents describe as not in the best shape and dangerous.
One resident, Greg Bates, said, “You’re looking at 1000 vehicles a day trying to travel that road and that road can’t sustain it.”
Also of concern would be the impact on the student populations at nearby schools such as Northwest Whitfield High School.
Bates said, “I don’t know how our school systems can, in this area up there with all the development that’s going on, can absorb the number of students that would move in.”
Some commissioners questioned if this would bring housing citizens could afford.
Commissioner Octavio Perez said, “I would like to live in a $400,000-$500,000 house but we have to build something affordable.”
Ultimately, several residents say they want this part of Whitfield County to remain rural.
Resident John Capeheart said, “Why do we all live here? Country living. But not somebody peeking in your back door… Whitfield County it’s time that we get back to country and country building. It’s not city living and I don’t think you want someone at your back door in the city limits.”
The Planning Commission voted against recommending this project 3 to 2, but it will come in front of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners in the coming months.
