The Phenix City Council unanimously approved the rezoning of 95.7 acres on the southwest side of the city to a R-1B Zone or low-density residential district, from an A-1 Zone or low-density residential and general agricultural district during Tuesday’s meeting.
Before the vote, the council held a public hearing on the land owned by B&B Land Developers, owned by Mike Barbee.
Two homeowners from neighboring subdivisions spoke in opposition to the development that will include apartments and businesses.
The homeowners expressed concern about property value, traffic and increased crime that could come from more people living in the area, changing the “country living” that they have grown to love.
“When we initially purchased the property, we were told it would be country and city living in the city,” said Wylee Toms, who purchased her home with her husband in 1993.
Although hesitant at first, Toms, addressed council.
“We’re hearing that the property is going to be turned into the apartments and retail stores,” Toms said. “I do have some concerns about it. I am very interested in the growth of Phenix City, but when it comes to placing apartments in a place that has been set aside for homes I have some concerns.”
Francis Merritt also expressed concerned.
“My concern is the traffic. We already have trouble getting in and out on Crosswinds Road,” Merritt said, adding that she believes there will be 500 to 600 apartments. “And also the encroachment, keeping people who want to come on the lake from using our property.”
Seconds later, the council voted to approve the rezoning.
Although Tim Bosley, who has lived in the Wildwood subdivision for eight years, attended the hearing he decided not to speak.
“I thought there would have been more of us here,” Bosley said, adding that he saw a sign advertising the rezoning. “Even had I gotten up there, it still wouldn’t have made a difference. I really wasn’t disappointed by the outcome.”
Bosley said he isn’t opposed to moving if things get to hectic on his peaceful street, but hopes it doesn’t come to that.
“It’s country living out there. My dogs run loose and I don’t have any problems,” said Bosley, who lives off Crosswinds Road, where the development will be built. “I’ve seen it grow already, traffic wise, since I’ve been there. It used to take several minutes for a car to come up Crosswinds Road. Now, it’s every few seconds. I don’t think we’re going to be able to stop it. How do you curb something like this?”
After the meeting, Barbee attempted to calm the residents’ fears, explaining the apartments were going to be upscale, targeting military officers moving to the Fort Benning area because of Base Realignment and Closure.
Barbee, whose company developed the Brandywine subdivision, said he wants to create an area he and his family can be proud of.
“I’m probably going to keep one of these apartments for when I’m in town,” Barbee said. “It’s a possibility that my daughter is going to build a house in Brandywine.” Barbee recently began phase 4B on the Brandywine subdivision.
The new development, which will include a club house, pool and tennis courts, will be built in four or five phases over 12 years.
“We won’t start with the retail until the people are there,” Barbee said. “It’s a neighborhood retail area.”
Residents also expressed concerns about barriers.
“We’ve got well over the minimums on green space,” Barbee said.
E-Mail
Print
@Nyx.CommentBody@