Editor’s note: as we completed this story, we sought to ensure we had the correct spelling of participants in the public hearing for the proposed development. However, our late-night attempts to do so as we completed the work on this piece were unsuccessful. We apologize should we have a spelling error on any names of those who are noted in this item. We take accuracy seriously in names, and ask that if anyone runs into an incorrect spelling to please notify me immediately at kevin@polk.today. – KtE

The Cedartown City Commission is asking for the developer of a proposed townhome complex that would bring an additional 40 units into the city limits after he failed to show, and will have to come before the board during their September regular session for the issue to be reconsidered.

A lengthy public hearing where residents voiced their concerns over the proposal saw Commissioners vote unanimously to table approval for a zoning change sought by Gul Zaman from its current designation of C-2 to PD-1 to allow construction on the rentals to go forward.

Robert Lewis spoke on behalf of the developer of the property, talking briefly about the plans for the 11 acre property and the 40 townhomes they want to put on the land.

He couldn’t answer all of the questions and concerns of the Commission – like questions over rentals versus being able to purchase units, and the density of the development – that were also raised by residents around the area.

Mary Ann Little spoke on behalf of several who came out for the public hearing to talk about the development, taking up most of the time in the discussion in the August 8 session.

Their concerns ranged from the development being unable to sustain the projected rent costs for the townhomes and that they would become a place for low-income housing. Little said during her time that she and other residents were worried about a range of issues that would bring from housing prices to crime.

She also cited concerns about the below curve and the potential for more traffic accidents due to drivers speeding down Blanche Road, which eventually becomes West John Hand Road and connects to North Main Street and outlets back to Highway 27, or downtown Cedartown.

Lewis did note that a turning lane to force traffic to slow down was requested to be added to the layout of the site for drivers coming into the property from the west.

Bottom line: the neighbors want low-density housing in the area.

WATCH: City Commission Public Hearing on townhome development proposal on Blanche Road

Commissioners also raised concerns over completely blocking what the development would bring: much needed increases in the housing stock.

During discussions over what to do with the development based on the issues raised by neighbors, Commissioner Jessica Payton did note her issues with objections raised over the density of homes, and the need for additional housing in the city. But she had questions that only Zaman could answer.

“I feel very strongly that you are absolutely correct. If he’s not here, then he’s going to have a hard time getting this approved,” Payton said. “He needs to be here. He needs to be able to answer questions,” she added directly to Lewis.

Commissioner Matt Foster also was worried that the developer wasn’t on hand to answer questions and relieve those concerned about building so many new units in such a small space.

“We do have a need for housing, but those numbers, man,” he said.

Branch did add that he would like to see something other than townhomes to be developed on the property and in the area around Blanche Road to match the character of the houses and neighborhood already established.

“I would feel better – much, much better – with single family housing in that area,” he said. “Neighborhoods, subdivisions, are what I’d prefer to see there.”

Payton also added that she wanted people to be able to have ownership of the units as an option for those who want to be able to call their townhome a permanent residence.

“I don’t hate the townhome idea, but I do like the idea that people could buy it,” she said. “It could be built in such a way you could rent toward buying it, that people could build credit. What we really need in this area is housing that people don’t necessarily feel they have the responsibility of a yard and tending all of those things. We absolutely have that need.”

WATCH: City’s decision to table townhome development proposal on Blanche Road

The decision to table the matter of approving the change in the property’s zoning – and allowing construction on the project to move ahead – will be decided now at the September 12 regular session.

City officials did say following the meeting last week that Zaman had reached out to the city and is willing to discuss potential changes to the project.