By Jason A. Givens

October 5, 2006 | RICHMOND -- The Planning and Zoning Commission decided Tuesday they were willing to hear a formal proposal from the Stewart Land Group to rezone 10 acres near White Pine Middle School.

The group plans to put 26 to 30 lots in the 10-acre area. Group member Josh Wright said his vision of the project was for it to be like Richmond was when he was a kid.

"If you want to do that you better leave it like it is," Commission Chairman Brent Webb said.

The initial request was for the rezoning of 40 acres from A-10 (one residence per 10 acres) to Residential Medium Density (one residence per 10,000- to 14,500-square feet). Since the group said they do not own the entire 40 acres at this time, Commissioner Daryl Black said they need to concentrate on one area.

"A formal proposal on the 10 acres would be a good start," Webb said.

Wright said the group wanted to make sure rezoning was a possibility before they went to the other landowners with a proposal.

"We wanted to get a feel from the council as to whether you would honestly humor us on this," Wright said.

City Manager Marlowe Adkins told the group they are just coming in with a concept of why they want to rezone. "Don't get ahead of yourselves and get things mixed up," he said.

"We are typically ahead of the game," Wright said, in response to Adkins. "Our company has over 40 years experience."

Wright said they want to be up front with everything and are not trying to throw a fastball by anyone.

"You can't fastball us, but you can maybe lowball us," Webb said, joking.

The formal proposal by the group is scheduled for the Nov. 7 planning and zoning meeting.

The commission also approved the modification of two lots in the Richmond Hills subdivision. The modification will make one lot deeper and the other more shallow. Adkins said the modification has zero impact on the city's infrastructure. The proposed modification now needs to go before the City Council for final approval.

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