Over 1,000 acres of land fronting Highway 21 were rezoned planned unit development by the Rincon City Council at Monday night’s meeting.

The land had to be rezoned according to the city’s guidelines in light of the fact that the developers want to annex the property into Rincon.

PK Capital LLC of Indianapolis is developing the property and sought to change the zoning from planned development (PD), the county’s classification, to planned unit development, the city’s classification.

Both designations allow office commercial, multi-family and single family units on a single property. Up to 4,000 units may be built on this site, which is located just past the Qwest convenience store on the left heading north on Highway 21.

Jon Schelling, one of the partners of PK Capital LLC, attended the council meeting. Residents who live near the property also were present to voice their concerns.

Resident Corey Exley is concerned about the multi-family units.

“I don’t want apartments behind my house,” he noted, explaining that his daughter plays in the backyard.

“Where is the master plan for all this growing?” Anneliese Brandenburg asked of the city’s growth.

With the development she noted that the city is facing at least 8,000 more kids to school and at least 8,000 more cars on the road, exacerbating the existing traffic congestion.

The council repeatedly pointed out that they would not have approved the rezoning if they were not confident that the city could sustain the growth.

Brandenburg was not appeased.

“We (taxpayers) are footing the bill,” she said. “You’re driving senior citizens out of this county.”

Councilman Paul Wendelken explained that either development will come into the city or be built just outside of it. He and the council believe it’s better if it’s in the city so that the city can reap the financial rewards of more sales tax revenue and SPLOST funds.

“This will be developed no matter what,” he noted.

If the city denies the annexation, the developers could opt to keep their land in the unincorporated area of the county and develop it.

Councilman Ken Baxley added it will probably take 10-15 years for the project to build out completely. The master plan is still being finalized. Once it is complete, another public hearing will be held to review it.
and vote on it.