Council to discuss Four Farms
Published 9:27 pm Monday, January 17, 2011
A discussion on the controversial Four Farms development will headline Wednesday’s City Council meeting.
The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at City Council chambers, 441 Market St. A work session at 4 p.m. will precede the regular meeting.
Public hearings for the Four Farms project are scheduled, but the developers are hoping to have the public hearing and discussion on the matter carried over until the city has had a chance to digest the massive traffic study and make a recommendation on whether area roads can handle the extra cars.
Whitney Saunders, attorney for South Suffolk Properties, LLC, said last week they have requested that the public hearing be reserved until all the necessary information is processed.
Fred Taylor, an attorney for Suffolk Citizens for Responsible Growth, a group that opposes the project, said he understands the process has to be followed.
“I don’t think my client has any objection to the city doing the due diligence that’s involved here,” Taylor said.
The Four Farms developers are seeking a rezoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would allow them to build nearly 2,000 housing units on 462 acres between White Marsh and Hosier roads. The development would include a mix of single- and multi-family types, as well as 164,000 square feet of commercial space, a variety of parks, lakes and open spaces and a 19-acre site for an elementary school.
In December, the Planning Commission unanimously opposed the project.
Other items on Wednesday’s agenda include a special presentation to former councilman Joe Barlow in recognition of his years of service and a staff report on the Historic Conservation Overlay District. The work session includes a discussion on the capital improvements plan and an update on U.S. Joint Forces Command.