Commission Narrowly Approves Avalon Woods Phase 5A

NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission met Aug. 25, 2025, to review a series of development and zoning issues including the Avalon Woods development, a multi-phase project.

Newberry Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez presented an application from JBrown Professional Group, Inc., representing M3 Avalon Land 2, LLC, owner of the project. The plan for Avalon Woods Phase 5A covers 15.5 acres and includes infrastructure and site improvements to support 91 single-family homes within the mixed-use development.

A key point of contention centered on a proposed road connection linking the southern edge of the subdivision to Northwest 244^th Drive. That road provides access to 41 Commerce Park and had not been part of the previously adopted development plan. Because it constitutes a major change to the development order, the new connection required commission approval.

A traffic impact analysis by MPH Transportation Planning indicated that routing traffic through the industrial park could help disperse vehicle trips generated by Phases 4 through 6. However, staff also noted potential conflicts between residential and industrial traffic, raising concerns over maneuverability and use-type compatibility.

City staff recommended adoption of Resolution 2025-26 with multiple conditions. Among them were requirements to amend the master development plan before Phase 5B, to resolve outstanding utility and easement issues, and to sign a maintenance and indemnification agreement for backwater valves.

Another condition addressed force main infrastructure along U.S. 27/41. While the city agreed to reimburse the difference in material costs for upsizing from a 6-inch to an 8-inch pipe, officials emphasized that reimbursements would be subject to city approval of engineering cost estimates.

Assistant City Manager and Director of Utilities and Public Works Jamie Jones suggested advancing Phase 5A with conditions attached, while deferring the road connection question to a later stage. Under the motion, the road will currently end at the last lot, with future resolution required before Phase 5B construction.

Commissioner Mark Clark moved for approval, seconded by Commissioner Don Long. The measure passed 3-2, with Commissioners Monty Farnsworth and Tony Mazon voting against.

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