Developers presented the Stone Haven site plan — previously referred to as Diamond Creek — for a gated 85‑lot subdivision located along Highway 81 between Jersey Walnut Grove Road and Old 81.

The presenter (identified in the transcript as Mr. Chriswell) described a gated community with roughly 85 lots (reduced from an earlier 95), a larger recreation area, an Olympic‑sized community pool, pickleball courts, playground and a cabana. He said the community would be gated with a resident gate and separate guest access; emergency access and fire department entry mechanisms (map box or radio-triggered gate access) were discussed.

On schedule and permitting, the presenter told the council: “if we could get started this year say we get started developing, so we could start clearing trees, breaking ground this summer, let's say it's around dinner, July. It would take a year to develop, and then we'd start building. So say if we start developing this summer in July, it'll be July 2026 when the first home is built.” The developer added that utilities and site work (roads, water and storm infrastructure) would be installed during the development phase; he said there is no sewer connection planned for the subdivision and lots will rely on on‑site septic systems where needed.

Joe Walter, Walnut Grove planning and zoning administrator, told council staff had completed engineering review and that reviewing agencies included Walton County Water, Walton County Fire, the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission and local engineering reviewers. “To the best of my knowledge, they have obtained all approvals that's necessary to get to be eligible to get a permit,” Walter said. He noted some coordination with the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and that interactions with the Georgia Department of Transportation will factor into planned turn‑radius and intersection improvements on Highway 81.

Walter also said the site contains an existing cemetery that has been designated open space; the cemetery sits near Lots 80–85 and staff expects an access easement for descendants and family members as the subdivision proceeds.

Council members and residents asked detailed operational questions about the gates (how mail, delivery services and emergency responders would access the development), gate materials, whether amenities would be completed with the first houses, and whether the homeowner association would assume responsibility for private streets, storm infrastructure and long‑term maintenance. The developer said amenities would be permitted separately and that HOA fees would fund road and storm infrastructure maintenance because the subdivision’s gated configuration would keep those elements private rather than city‑maintained.

Planning staff asked the council to place the Stone Haven site plan on an upcoming council agenda for final action after staff provides the permit package and supporting agency approvals. Walter said he would provide additional documentation and recommended council consider the item at a May meeting; at one point the mayor referenced the council’s next meeting on May 18 for final action.