On Tuesday, Nov. 7 the ACC Commission will vote on a rezoning request by Denny Hill for a subdivision, "Oak Grove," to be located off Rte. 129 in the proposed greenbelt. The subdivision would consist of 61 acres, 38 of which would be kept as open space. The rest would hold 240 housing units, for an average density of 3.9 units per acre.
The Planning Commission voted 8-1 to deny this rezoning request. They determined that because of its density and design, this project would be better suited to a location closer to the urban areas of ACC.
We agree that the problem with this proposed subdivision is its location. 3 - 4 units-per-acre on a 61 acre tract located miles from city services, shopping, schools and jobs, is a classic example of sprawl. The proposal does have some positive features: its location directly on a transportation artery and its use of conservation design principles are a step in the right direction for our county. But conservation design when applied in rural areas at anything other than very low density can preserve only the appearance of open space, at best. That appearance is certainly valuable, but more important are the economic and ecological functions of open space. These functions are what the proposed greenbelt is meant to safeguard. Any spot zoning of this kind undermines the purpose and effectiveness of the greenbelt.
That is why this particular project, despite its positive features, would have an overall negative impact on Athens-Clarke County.
PLEASE CALL YOUR COMMISSIONERS AND THE MAYOR and urge them to deny this rezoning request. And please attend the Commission meeting next Tuesday evening; a large turnout is important to show that ACC citizens are serious about our opposition to this project.
For more information, read the article in this week's Flagpole Magazine.