Currently, there are  three large subdivisions all within 3 miles of each other on Johnstonville Road—River Walk, River Forest, and Riata. Now, a new application proposes rezoning 92.93 acres at 3553, 3646 Johnstonville Road from agricultural-residential (A-R) to a residential status (R-2). This means the  arrival of cookie-cutter homes on one-acre lots, threatening to transform already congested roads into an even greater traffic nightmare.

The stretch between I-75 and Hwy 42 is already overwhelmed with vehicles using Johnstonville as a  shortcut, and the prospect of adding close to 100 homes would exacerbate this congestion, leading to longer commute times, increased noise, and diminished quality of life for current residents. Meanwhile, there's already an issue of excessive water runoff in this area.  Further development in this area will only intensify the problem, leading to potential environmental hazards and impacting local ecosystems and causing excessive run off into Rocky Creek which is located on the back side of the property. 

Rezoning these lands would not only affect traffic and environmental stability, but it could also fundamentally destroy the character of the community.  If  rushed and overly aggressive development continues unmitigated, we risk turning Monroe County into another Henry County. 

The hearing to address this rezoning proposal is scheduled for Monday, July 28th at 5:30 PM in the Monroe County Conference Center. This is an opportunity to voice our concerns and prevent this ill-considered change from proceeding.  Anyone who is unable to attend the hearing should email your concerns to Kelsey  Fortner  Community Development Manager at Kfortner@monroecoga.org. 

Sign this petition to protect Monroe County  from excessive development, preserve our roads and environment, and maintain the unique character of our home. Together, we can make a difference and show our local leaders that this community values thoughtful and sustainable planning over unchecked growth.