Marion County commissioners unanimously approved the master plan for a planned unit development (PUD) that will allow up to 205 single‑family homes on approximately 47.28 acres off Northwest 44th Avenue.

The applicant, represented by David Tillman of Tillman & Associates, presented renderings of planned amenities — a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts and a playground — and said the developer met prior PUD conditions, including amenities and buffer plans discussed with a commissioner in December. Staff confirmed the final master plan met the conditions attached to the previously approved PUD; staff confirmed proposed buffers and a stormwater pond that position the development to minimize direct adjacency to existing homes to the south.

"They wanted something that was higher quality ... they put forth a great effort to make something that looks really nice and to provide a lot for the community," Tillman said of the developer's approach. The plan includes a 15‑foot modified Type C buffer on the south and west sides, with an emphasis on leaving existing vegetation where possible and planting to meet county buffer criteria.

Neighbors from Quail Meadow and adjacent communities spoke at the meeting with two recurring concerns: pedestrian access or foot traffic through existing fences and the condition and maintenance of boundary fencing between subdivisions. The applicant and staff told the Board there would be no vehicular connections into Quail Meadow and that existing fencing would remain, with additional planting and the required buffer where homes will abut the PUD.

Commissioner Zallick praised the level of amenities and said the development could be a model for quality on a site of this size; Commissioner Zallick moved approval and Commissioner McLean seconded. The motion to approve the master plan passed unanimously.

Ending: The Board's approval advances the PUD toward final engineering and permitting steps; staff said the developer will return with any required final plat, site‑specific engineering and confirmations that PUD conditions (buffers and amenity implementation) are met before building permits are issued.