Tudor Branch residents concerned over entrance
Though developers withdrew their request to eliminate a second entrance to the Tudor Branch subdivision at Thursday's Planning Commission meeting, homeowners remained to voice their objections.
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"I'm very concerned that they're going to come back later ... and try to sneak one in on us again," Tudor Branch resident Michael Wright said of the developers.
Columbia Road Ventures LLC withdrew the request so it could review new engineering information on the subdivision's layout.
The entrance, which is included in the previously approved site plan, was to have been completed in 2007.
The property is zoned planned unit development to accommodate almost 450 single-family homes, with about 350 built and 90 more proposed.
Planning staff said a second entrance is needed to reduce traffic congestion at the subdivision's current entrance on Columbia Road as the development grows. The future site of Columbia Middle School is across from Tudor Branch.
The planning commission and Tudor Branch residents also discussed safety concerns.
"We purchased our house in October, and since then I've personally shut that intersection down three times for accidents," said Keith Warner, who lives in the neighborhood and is a traffic deputy with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. "For safety, I personally know that second entrance is needed."
Planning commissioners agreed with the developer's request to withdraw the item but said they wouldn't allow any changes to the development unless the second entrance is built.
"On behalf of myself, the motion will be that the road is done before anything else is completed, period," said Planning Commissioner Bob Newkirk.
In other planning and zoning business, several subdivisions near Grovetown received final plat approval.
Commissioners approved final plats for two planned unit developments at Canterbury Farms, which is off Chamblin Road.
Bridgewater at Canterbury Farms will consist of 23 lots on 5.5 acres, and Durham at Canterbury Farms will incorporate 14 lots on about 10 acres.
The planning and zoning board also passed final plats for three proposed neighborhoods in the area: Kensey Park off Canterbury Farms Road, section four of Hidden Creek off Baker Place Road and section two of Indian Springs off Highwoods Pass.
Final plats for Collins Park in Martinez, Horizon North Commercial Park near Grovetown and a seventh section of Bartram Trail also were approved.
A Bojangles fast food restaurant was also approved at 343 S. Belair Road, near Interstate 20.