LOXLEY — The Loxley Planning Commission voted to table a proposed 663-lot residential development until its Dec. 10 meeting, allowing the developer additional time to address concerns about infrastructure, lot sizes and recreational space.

The Preserve at Rock Creek, a proposed planned unit development of approximately 247 acres, would be

located between Cabinet Shop Road and County Road 65, south of Hinote Glass Road. The property is currently zoned Rural Agricultural in Baldwin County, and the developer is seeking pre-zoning approval ahead of a potential annexation into the city of Loxley.

Loxley City Engineer Greg Smith pointed out several concerns with the proposed development, including the number of smaller residential lots, the availability of recreational areas and the potential effects on surrounding roads.

"They've got several what they're calling open spaces scattered out through this development, but there's nothing really centralized that gives them a clear space that people can congregate and have some recreation activities in," Smith said.

Traffic was another concern discussed during the meeting. Smith said a traffic impact study would be necessary to evaluate the effects of the development on surrounding intersections and county roads, including connections to Alabama Highway 59.

Smith said the developer has offered to donate approximately 1 acre of land for a future city water tank and has verbally committed to contributing funding toward water infrastructure improvements, although no written agreement has been finalized.

The city's sewer system currently has the capacity to accommodate the proposed development, Smith said.

Commission members also discussed the potential timeline for construction. Smith estimated the project could take approximately 10 years to complete, depending on economic conditions and the pace of development.

During the public hearing, Loxley resident Tim Vernor expressed concerns about how the proposed development could affect his family's lifestyle.

Vernor said he purchased the property to provide his children and grandchildren with opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and rural living.

"What I'm afraid of is if this all takes place, my family's lifestyle will completely change with the city of Loxley moving into our backyard and us not being able to have dove hunts and have friends over and that type of thing," Vernor said.

Smith acknowledged the scale of the project and emphasized the importance of carefully reviewing the proposal before moving forward.

"With this large of a development, I think we need to take our time and make sure we get this right," Smith said.

A representative for the developer requested that the commission table the proposal to allow additional time to respond to questions and concerns raised during the review process.

Following the public hearing, the commission unanimously voted to table the request until Dec. 10.