Effingham County Commissioners to vote on proposed subdivision that would house 504 homes
Proposed developments in Effingham County are causing significant concern among residents and environmentalists.
The development will be voted on tonight at the Effingham County Commissioners meeting and will rezone 247 acres from AR-1 (Agricultural Residential 1) to PD-R (Planned Residential Development). When fully completed, the development will have 504 homes.
According to the development area impact report, much of the development is covered by wetlands and is designated a Class A flood zone, meaning the risk of flooding is high.
Ben Kirsch, legal director for Ogeechee Riverkeeper, submitted comments on the DRI report to the Georgia Coastal Commission, saying “flooding will be an issue for structures constructed on the property’s floodplain.”
He went on to say the flood risk was greater than the 100-year flood map showed.
“Although the ‘100-year’ flood zone designation implies that flooding only occurs once every 100 years, this masks the actual risk,” Kirsch said. “Over 30 years, the actual flood risk is 26%, which is more than a quarter of a chance for properties in a 100-year floodplain. This creates risk and financial stress for all future owners, who may face severe Flood damage and subsequent insurance rate increases.
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Brittany Kochar moved to the big city of Denver, Colorado, in exchange for the slower pace of life in Guyton. She, her husband and children raise chickens and goats on the 5-acre property.
But the proposed subdivision could put her dreams of a country lifestyle in jeopardy.
“Seeing these developments happening defeats the purpose of living in a small town,” Kochar said. “There’s no infrastructure here to support these homes. It’s a huge safety issue.
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Kochar said she is not opposed to economic growth but would rather see more small businesses than homes.
“I understand growth happens because that’s how cities make money, but it’s the wrong way to grow,” Kochar said. “There are other ways to build communities without these communities. When people want to move to the country, they do it to own the land and leave. It ruins the whole area.
According to the DRI report, the estimated value when fully built is $200 million. Joshua Yellin of Hunter McLean, listed as the agent for owner Cassie Hinely, did not respond to our request for comment.
Latrice Williams is a special correspondent covering Blaine and Effingham counties. You can contact her at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in the Savannah Morning News: Effingham County commissioners vote on subdivision
