New Subdivision With Senior Housing Approved on Locust Road

After 18+ months of discussion, a new subdivision on Locust Road can proceed forward. With the conditions imposed by Henry County, about half of the project will be age-restricted senior housing.

The property consists of 215 acres in Locust Grove. DRB Group submitted the request looking to build the new subdivision.

Locust Road Senior Housing Subdivision

The new Locust Road subdivision received zoning approval at the June 20 board meeting. Henry County approved the change from RA to R-2 with sewer for the property. The zoning advisory board previously approved the applicant’s request for a conservation subdivision.

The R-2 with sewer zoning district typically requires half-acre lots. By building a conservation subdivision, it allows the builder to create smaller lots. The subdivision plans to construct lots of varying size.

In exchange, they must preserve at least 40% of the property as open space. The proposed build will preserve 99 acres, or 46% of the site. Other requirements include a 100’ buffer along the main road, and a 50’ buffer on the remaining perimeter.

Senior Community

The smallest lots, shown in yellow on the site plan, measure 10,890 square feet. This equals one quarter-acre. These lots — there are 131 of them — will be an age-restricted community. This restricts residents to seniors 55 or older. The age-restricted community will have gated access and a separate amenity area. Amenities include a separate clubhouse and pickle ball court.

The homes within this area will be built with seniors in mind. Entryways, hallways and doors must be 36” wide for a person in a wheelchair. In addition, the kitchen, master bedroom and master bathroom must be on the ground floor. The homes in this section must be at least 1,600 square feet.

All homes throughout the entire development must be four-sides brick, stone or cement fiberboard. They must also have a two-car garage.

General Lots

Secondly, the remainder of the subdivision will have regular lots open to all. Plans call for two different types of lots in this area:

• Pod B lots, shown in the light green, must be 80’ wide and 12,000 square feet. Homes must be at least 2,000 square feet.
• Pod C lots, shown in the darker green shade, must be 100’ wide and 15,000 square feet. Homes must be at least 2,400 sq ft with a side-entry garage.

There are 100 lots in pod B and 67 lots in pod C. The subdivision has a total of 297 lots. The property could otherwise support up to about 350 lots.

Estimated price points are the $400 thousands for senior housing, and the $500 to $650 thousands for regular lots.

Amenities & Timeline

The central amenities area will have a variety of features. They include a pool, clubhouse, dog park, fire pit and grilling area, and children’s playground. A second amenities area will have a walking trail and pavilion. There shall also be golf cart paths and parking at the amenity areas.

Following zoning, residential projects typically require 6–12 months to complete engineering work and permitting. Land disturbance work will presumably start in 2024. New subdivisions then typically build about 50 homes per year, or up to a six-year buildout for this project.

Featured image shows the Locust Road subdivision location and site plan. Henry County map / Moore Bass Consulting site plan.