Loxley Planners Table 663-Home Preserve at Rock Creek Until Dec. 10 Over Traffic, Lot Sizes and Recreation Space
The commission voted unanimously to give the developer more time after the city engineer raised concerns about infrastructure, smaller lots and the lack of a central recreation area.
LOXLEY, Ala. — The Loxley Planning Commission has put off a decision on a proposed 663-lot subdivision, voting unanimously to table the request until its Dec. 10 meeting so the developer can respond to concerns about infrastructure, lot sizes and recreation space.
The Preserve at Rock Creek is a proposed planned unit development of about 247 acres between Cabinet Shop Road and County Road 65, south of Hinote Glass Road. The land is currently zoned Rural Agricultural in Baldwin County, and the developer is seeking pre-zoning approval ahead of a possible annexation into the city of Loxley. The project had been set for a public hearing before planners on Oct. 29.
The engineer’s concerns
City Engineer Greg Smith outlined several issues, including the number of smaller residential lots, the availability of recreation areas and the potential effect on surrounding roads.
“They’ve got several what they’re calling open spaces scattered out through this development, but there’s nothing really centralized that gives them a clear space that people can congregate and have some recreation activities in,” Smith said.
Traffic was another focus. Smith said a traffic impact study would be needed to evaluate how the development would affect surrounding intersections and county roads, including connections to Alabama Highway 59.
Water and sewer
On utilities, Smith said the developer has offered to donate about 1 acre for a future city water tank and has verbally committed to contributing money toward water infrastructure improvements. No written agreement has been finalized.
The city’s sewer system currently has the capacity to handle the proposed development, he said.
Commission members also discussed how long construction might last. Smith estimated the project could take about 10 years to finish, depending on economic conditions and the pace of development.
A neighbor speaks
During the public hearing, Loxley resident Tim Vernor said he worries about how the project could change life for his family. Vernor said he bought his property so his children and grandchildren could enjoy outdoor activities and rural living.
“What I’m afraid of is if this all takes place, my family’s lifestyle will completely change with the city of Loxley moving into our backyard and us not being able to have dove hunts and have friends over and that type of thing,” Vernor said.
More time requested
Smith acknowledged the scale of the proposal and stressed the need for a careful review.
“With this large of a development, I think we need to take our time and make sure we get this right,” he said.
A representative for the developer asked the commission to table the proposal to allow more time to answer the questions and concerns raised during the review. After the public hearing, members agreed unanimously.
The commission will take up the request again Dec. 10.
