SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — A 116-acre residential development with up to 310 homes, parks and a mix of housing types is set to move forward on the west side of Springfield after the City Council approved annexation and rezoning for the project along State Route 119 near Wilder Road.
The development, proposed by Coastal Cornerstone Development of Wilmington, N.C., will sit on seven parcels about a mile west of SR 21, with its main entrance planned at Wilder Road.
Plans call for a mix of larger and smaller single-family lots, along with fee-simple duplexes along portions of the perimeter. Lot widths are expected to range from 40 to 80 feet.
Parks and buffers
City officials said council members were particularly focused on preserving green space during the review process, resulting in a design that includes multiple pocket parks distributed throughout the neighborhood and a continuous 50-foot undisturbed buffer around the entire site.
The project also includes sidewalks, streetlights, street trees and architectural standards that exceed those in the city’s traditional residential zoning districts, according to planning officials.
Construction will not begin immediately. City officials said the project is tied to a planned wastewater treatment plant upgrade expected to be completed in late 2027 or early 2028, making the development timeline dependent on that infrastructure work.
First PUD approval
The City Council approved the annexation and rezoning in a 4-2 vote on June 9, marking Springfield’s first approval of a Planned Unit Development, or PUD, zoning designation. Councilmen Justin Cribb and Steve Shealy voted no.
Unlike traditional zoning, a PUD allows developers and municipalities to negotiate customized standards for a specific property, including density, road design, landscaping and housing layout.
“The PUD process lets the developer create their own zoning rules,” said Erin Phillips, Springfield’s planning and development director. “Items like road widths, density, lot minimums, landscaping and housing design can be chosen to create a unique property development that you would not be able to achieve with standard zoning.”
City officials said the Wilder Road project went through multiple workshops in 2025 and 2026 as planners worked with Coastal Cornerstone to refine the design.
Growth concerns voiced
Residents raised concerns during a May 26 public hearing about increased traffic, loss of wooded areas and buffering between the development and nearby properties.
Mayor Ricky Eilerman said officials understand concerns tied to growth pressures.
“I understand and respect the concerns many residents have regarding growth, especially when that growth is close to home,” Eilerman said. “I also understand the very real impact new development can have on traffic, schools and the overall character of our community.”
Developers said a traffic study will be required by the Georgia Department of Transportation to evaluate roadway impacts and determine if improvements are needed.
Developer response
Coastal Cornerstone co-founder Bryant Ligon said the project was designed to reflect input from city leaders.
“We are excited to finally see this project come to life,” Ligon said. “From the very beginning, our team has been committed to listening to the City of Springfield and building something the entire community can be proud of.”
City officials said the project comes as Springfield continues to manage rapid growth, rising land values and increased demand for housing.
“The recent growth in Springfield, and Effingham County in general, is more than anyone could have anticipated,” Phillips said.
Controlled growth approach
Eilerman said the PUD approach gives the city more control over how growth occurs.
“This is about taking the best step toward responsible growth while protecting the community we all call home,” he said. “I believe this approach gives the city the opportunity to guide development thoughtfully, rather than allow unchecked building that could have a far greater impact on our landscape, roads and quality of life.”
