Plans for a 708-unit apartment complex off North Hickory Valley Road received criticism from neighbors during a meeting of the Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday, although a representative for the project said it would fill a need for housing in that area.
“This project is way too large,” resident Jerri Underwood told commissioners. “I’m just telling you there are way too many unanswered questions. We are a single-family community, and we are in a safe environment, and we don’t want this huge invasion of apartments to compromise the safety and well-being of our currently safe community.”
Developer R.M. Investments LLC is asking the county to rezone 53.9 acres at 8699 N. Hickory Valley Road from rural residential to multi-family residential.
Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the request during their meeting next Wednesday, which would include the condition that the project have a maximum allowable density of 13 units per acre.
A website created by neighbors opposed to the project, 58neighbors.com, includes a petition that had garnered 739 signatures by Wednesday afternoon. It details concerns about safety, traffic congestion and the effect the complex would have on the surrounding community. Residents also pointed out Wednesday that the project sits near the future site of an approximately 160-unit townhome development.