A new subdivision is in the planning stages. Land developer Ellis Skinner, formerly of Colonial Marsh, unveiled a preliminary drawing of his newly proposed Waterloo development, located off Harris Trail Road behind Frugality Hall, to the Richmond Hill city council Tuesday, along with a rezoning request.
Council unanimously agreed to rezone Skinner’s 273 acre Waterloo tract from AG (agricultural) to PD (planned development). Council member Marilyn Hodges was not in attendance. This does not permit construction to begin as Skinner will still have to formally present a master plan for council to approve or disapprove.
Council member JoAnn Bickley joked "See how easy that was" to Skinner after the rezoning was approved. This was in reference to the years of work and numerous council appearances Skinner endured to try to get the Colonial Marsh tract rezoned, which was denied every time by council. The biggest gripe council had with his Colonial Marsh proposal was safety concerns regarding the narrow entranceway, which was constricted by its proximity to the railroad tracks.
"I had 300 feet this time," Skinner said, in response to Bickley. This refers to the length he has to work with as he plans the Waterloo entranceway.
Skinner sold the Colonial Marsh tract to Genesis Homes last year. Genesis has revamped the plans and is planning to re-introduce the tract to council sometime in the future.
As for Waterloo, the preliminary plans show it as having 833 living units, a 10 acre commercial tract fronting Harris Trail, a neighborhood park and 60 acres of wetlands. Planning and Zoning Director Steve Scholar said the project is consistent with the city’s comprehensive land use plan. The next step for Waterloo is the presentation of a master plan, which has yet to be scheduled.
In other business:
- Council approved a resolution approving the lease agreement, deed approval and updated plat for the City Center.
- Information on a potential Richmond Hill National Night Out was passed out. This was in response to council member Hodges' request for the city to look into the event, which occurs nationally on August 4.
- The mayor and council proclaimed the week of May 10-17 as National Public Works Week. Public works supervisor David Buchanan said this will include visiting schools and informing them how his department works.