By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham Planning Commission tabled a decision regarding the preliminary plat for a garden home subdivision off Indian Lake Drive during a Sept. 18 meeting.

“There are several items that need to be addressed before we would get to a comfortable level with it,” Pelham Director of Public Works Eddy Jowers said during the pre-meeting work session, noting slope concerns and the need for clear survey data on the submitted drawings. “We just don’t have enough detail to get a comfort level with it.”

The Planning Commission and City Council rezoned the 15.8 acres of land off of Indian Lake Drive from A-1 Agricultural district to RG Residential Garden Home district based off and application from AFK Properties LLC and a development plan presented by Connor Farmer.

During the Sept. 18 meeting, it was revealed the land was purchased by a new developer, Keeneland LLC. The plat presented during the Sept. 18 meeting differed from that originally approved for rezoning, and required different variances around the proposed homes.

“We were looking at a different dynamic, a different player,” Planning Commission Chairperson Mildred Lanier said of the original rezoning approval.

Planning Commission member Kim Speorl noted the new variances may negate the property’s rezoning and Planning Commission member Chief Danny Ray noted the submitted drawings did not explicitly comply with International Fire Code.

“I want this to be approved,” Pelham Mayor Gary Waters said, noting he liked the product and the design. “But, it’s a matter of procedure.”

“Although we are for bringing in new rooftops… (we want to be sure) down the road that we have done what is in the best interest of the city,” Lanier said.

The Planning Commission voted to table the decision regarding the preliminary plat for the proposed subdivision. The board will bring the plat before the city attorney before moving forward.