In a recent city council meeting, residents voiced strong concerns regarding a proposed high-density development in Edmond, which could significantly impact local traffic and infrastructure. The project, which includes plans for 569 single-family homes and 120 multifamily units, has raised alarms among community members about the potential increase in traffic on already congested roads.
Local resident Charles Brecki, a medical doctor, presented calculations indicating that the development could add approximately 1,860 new residents and over 1,400 vehicles to the area, exacerbating existing traffic issues on narrow, rural roads. He emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements before any approvals are granted, highlighting the busy intersections that could become overwhelmed.
Richard Conatley, president of the Coffee Creek Hills Homeowners Association, echoed these concerns, noting the development's density would be four times greater than nearby projects. He pointed out that the area is primarily zoned for lower-density residential use, raising questions about the appropriateness of such a significant increase in housing density. Conatley also mentioned that local schools are already at capacity, suggesting that the development could strain educational resources further.
The council acknowledged the residents' concerns and agreed to a three-week continuance for further discussion, allowing time for additional community input and consideration of the project's implications. The developers expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the community, but many residents remain skeptical about the project's potential impact on their neighborhoods.
As the council prepares for the next meeting, the future of the proposed development hangs in the balance, with community members advocating for careful evaluation of its effects on traffic, infrastructure, and overall quality of life in Edmond.