Hello neighbors, 

Wanted to share the speech given at the the city planning meeting, as to update you on what was said. It sounds as though despite our efforts so far, the building was approved by the city planning committee — but the next step is city council. We plan to attend to try and negotiate some things such a noise concerns and how the buffer will be between the commercial property and the residents behind it. If you have any concerns, questions or input, please comment on this petition and we will try and address them at the next meeting. 

“Good evening, Commissioners.

I am here to respectfully voice my and my members of Shelton Square’s opposition to this annexation and zoning request. Our neighborhood and surrounding areas have gathered over 200 signatures from residents who share these same concerns.

First, traffic and safety. Blackman Road is already congested during school drop-off, pick-up, and commuter hours. The ongoing road expansion project only adds to the challenge. This development is projected to generate 541 vehicle trips per day — yet there is no turn lane planned, and the road has not been widened to handle that additional load. Adding a 14,000 square-foot commercial building will mean more cars, more delays, and greater risks for school buses, families, and pedestrians.

Second, neighborhood character and property values. This project does not fit the surrounding area. On Eaglemont Drive and surrounding Shelton Square Estates homes, the average home price is nearly $1 million, and residents have invested heavily to preserve that quality of life. By contrast, the new development across the street on Blackman, the homes are smaller family residences, and on Manson (Shelton Grove), the development combines commercial with townhouses. Those areas were planned and zoned differently from the beginning. Placing another large commercial project here—right next to high-value residential homes—will lower property values, increase noise and light pollution, and erode the very character that makes our community desirable. Every new commercial project like this chips away at the stability and identity of our neighborhoods.

Third, infrastructure and stormwater. Our roads, water, and stormwater systems are already under strain. Adding a storm water pond here is not a great solution. The plots on Eaglemont is actually graded lower than the property under consideration, and although there is an easement, developers have not addressed the reality that additional water will flow toward our side of the community. My home directly backs up to this area, and flooding risks will increase. Removing large trees to make way for development only worsens the problem, reducing natural absorption and stability.

For these reasons, I respectfully ask that you deny this annexation and zoning request. At the very least,conduct a neighborhood compatibility review before moving forward.

Thank you for your time and for listening to the voices of the families who live here and will be most directly affected.”

Please keep sharing this petition. I will update with information on the city council meeting when possible.