By Rob Sigler

rob.sigler@oxfordeagle.com

Another crowd of concerned citizens packed their way into Monday evening’s county planning commission meeting to hear yet another planned subdivision development wanting to locate near The Lakes.

Paul Koshenina with Precision Engineering presented his preliminary plan for Old Oaks to the commission that would ultimately create 356 units on 65 acres on Campground Road. The development would tie into Punkin Water Association, which is already under fire from officials and residents in the area, for what they believe is inadequate water service.

Koshenina reminded the commission that the subdivision would be phased in over five phases and the first phase would consist of 200 units. Punkin has a capacity to provide water to just over 1,100 units and currently has just over 800 units in the system and another 500-plus waiting to tie into the water system.

Similar project tabled

Koshenina said Punkin is in talks with the developer to upgrade their water system to accommodate the new units. He added that a traffic study has also been completed and the site is still working with the state on approval for water and sewer.

He was reminded by Commissioner Ray Garrett that the commission tabled a similar development at their last meeting because Punkin has not upgraded their system to accommodate more homes “and can’t provide water to the customers they have now.”

Pebble Creek, a 150-unit residential development that wants to tie into Punkin Water near the same area, was tabled by the commission last month due to water system concerns.

“I understand that, but we wanted to make sure we have a project that is palatable to the county and commission so we’re not wasting our time,” Koshenina said.

“And what if you can’t get water?” asked commission chairman T.J. Ray.

“Then we don’t have a project,” said Koshanina.

After hearing from several residents in the area who voiced concern over the water issue, potential flooding and extra traffic, Commissioner Dick Marchbanks made a motion to deny the project but then rescinded the motion and the project was tabled until the developer and Punkin can work out the necessary water system upgrades.

The commission did approve for recommendation to the Board of Supervisors a warehouse development on Highway 30.