I support Hybrass Properties, LLC's ("Hybrass") rezoning and variance applications (identified as Z25-04 and Z25-05).

Ponders Mountain subdivision was originally zoned in 2005 for a total of 315 homes in one neighborhood with entrances on Center Road and Rock Fence 2 Road. Starting in 2007, 74 homes were platted and then constructed. In 2012, the HOA for Ponders Mountain subdivision was dissolved and, subsequently, the undeveloped portion of the subdivision was foreclosed. Hybrass purchased the undeveloped portions of Ponders Mountain subdivision in 2017. Hybrass has since established a voluntary HOA for the developed portion of Ponders Mountain subdivision; some residents have participated, others have not.

Developing and constructing the remaining 241 homes originally planned for Ponders Mountain would require substantially grading the Ponders Mountain geographical feature. It would also require significant construction traffic and permanent vehicular traffic through the existing phase of Ponders Mountain. Although Hybrass believes it could develop much of the rest of the subdivision now, it does not believe that is the best plan and housing product that can be delivered. It also does not believe that would be the best result for the existing residents of Ponders Mountain subdivision.

Hybrass understands that the residents of the existing Ponders Mountain subdivision would like to preserve the general size of their existing community. Hybrass also believes that the residents of the Ponders Mountain subdivision would also like a development that, to the extent possible, preserves much of the natural landscape of geographical feature known as Ponders Mountain.

For these reasons, Hybrass has filed zoning applications with the City of Cartersville. Collectively, these applications would permit the existing Ponders Mountain subdivision to remain its own, separate subdivision with a total of 102 homes—with 28 new homes being constructed at the end of a cul-de-sac on Ponders Road. Additionally, these applications would permit 199 attached single-family homes to be constructed in a separate subdivision with an entrance that connects to Smiley Ingram Road.

There is an amenity area in the existing Ponders Mountain subdivision that the original developer and builder did not complete. During the development of the remaining 28 lots, the developer or the builder would complete the existing amenity area in the existing Ponders Mountain subdivision. The original zoning for the subdivision called for a pool. However, with only a voluntary HOA to maintain the amenity area into perpetuity, a pool does not appear to be a viable option for the amenity area. For that reason, Hybrass has proposed that the amenity area be completed with a playground, benches, and/or walking trails that can be easily maintained into perpetuity by a voluntary HOA.

The existing Ponders Mountain subdivision and the separate 199 lot subdivision would both benefit from a connection between the two that is only accessible and usable by emergency service personnel (e.g., City of Cartersville police, fire, and ambulance). The connection would have a gate be locked and accessible via a KnoxBox, which is a device that allows the gate to be unlocked by emergency service personnel only. This connection will ensure that emergency services can reach residents even if, for example, the only entrance to the Ponders Mountain subdivision on Center Road is blocked.