Twelve Oaks residents not pleased with expansion

Published 12:00 pm Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Twelve Oaks residents aren’t happy about the subdivision expanding, arguing the development’s infrastructure can’t accommodate further growth.

Developer Billy Westbrook came before the county planning commission Monday night seeking final subdivision plat approval for phase two of Twelve Oaks subdivision, which includes 26 lots along Atlanta Avenue.

Twelve Oaks residents came to voice their concerns and displeasure with plans to add 13 new homes to the subdivision.

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Twelve Oaks resident Martha Heffner said the water system has “trouble providing clean water to the area due to lines being cut” in the development process, adding that concerns from homeowners have been addressed with new subdivision regulations, but there’s been inconsistency in following those guidelines.

Karen Manley, president of the Melanie Place Homeowners Association, agreed with Heffner, saying there have been times when water lines have been cut and there was no notification to residents.

“There have been times when it has been cut and no one has been notified until I notify them,” Manley said. “Our biggest concern is adding that many more neighbors out there, and (whether) the water system (is) large enough to accommodate all that. The water pressure is always all over the board.”

Residents are also concerned about maintenance of roads, burning debris, flooding issues and traffic congestion – especially from contractors and sub-contractors.

County building inspector Joel Hollowell admitted there have been some issues with Twelve Oaks since “we tightened down on the new regs. But for the most part, they’re being taken care of.”

The commission approved the expansion despite the concerns. It will now go before the board of supervisors.

In other matters:

The commission permitted variances to three lots within Rhett’s Place subdivision due to the topography of the terrain. Commissioner Johnny Sowell voted against allowing the variances.

The commission also approved a 40 x 80 open-air pavilion at the Oxford-Lafayette County Sportsplex, along with two restrooms near the concession stand that overlooks the soccer fields.