The Henry County Zoning Advisory Board convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss a significant rezoning request that could reshape the Willow Lane area. The proposal, submitted by Lennar, seeks to rezone approximately 51.6 acres from Residential Agricultural (RA) and Mixed Use (MU) to Residential Multifamily (RM). This change aims to facilitate the development of 259 fee-simple townhomes and 78 detached cluster homes, with a focus on enhancing the community's housing options.

The proposed site plan indicates that the townhomes will be located on the west side of Willow Lane, while the detached homes will be situated on the east side. This layout is designed to align with existing developments in the area, which include multifamily units to the west and single-family homes to the east. The project is positioned within a designated high-density mixed-use area, which supports a density of 8 to 20 units per acre, suggesting that the proposed development is consistent with the county's long-term planning goals.

A critical aspect of the discussion centered on the necessary infrastructure improvements, particularly the planned widening of Willow Lane. The board noted that construction for this widening is scheduled for 2027, and any building permits for the new development will be contingent upon substantial progress on this project. This stipulation aims to ensure that the increased traffic from the new homes does not overwhelm the existing road infrastructure.

The board also addressed concerns regarding traffic impacts, requiring a traffic impact study to be conducted prior to the issuance of any permits. This study will help identify necessary improvements to accommodate the additional vehicles that will result from the new development. The applicant has committed to dedicating 20 feet of right-of-way on both sides of Willow Lane to facilitate the road widening, which will alleviate some of the traffic concerns.

In addition to the housing units, the development plan includes various amenities, such as resort-style pools, playgrounds, and parks, designed to enhance the quality of life for future residents. The amenities will be distributed on both sides of Willow Lane to ensure accessibility without requiring residents to cross a busy road.

The board's staff recommended approval of the rezoning request with specific conditions, including a rental cap of 10% to maintain a balance of ownership and rental units within the community. This condition aims to foster a stable neighborhood environment.

As the board concluded its discussions, the implications of this rezoning request became clear. If approved, the development could significantly increase housing availability in Henry County, addressing the growing demand for residential options while ensuring that infrastructure improvements keep pace with new growth. The board's decision will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Willow Lane area, with the potential to enhance both the community's character and its livability.