Montgomery City Council rejects development variances over water debate

Montgomery City Council rejected a variance request from developer Promocon USA LLC due to the ongoing confusion surrounding water service.

At its regular meeting Feb. 25, the council considered getting an opinion from the planning and zoning committee on two variances requested by Promocon. Promocon’s proposed project is for 168 single-family homes on Old Dobbin Plantersville Road. Its two variances would allow it to build lots of 50 feet wide and with a minimum size of 6,000 square feet, as opposed to the required 75 feet and 9,000 square feet. Council first heard an economic study about the development Oct. 9.

Council Member Rebecca Huss said she opposed considering any variances for the development until the city had a clear picture of what services the residents would receive from the city. Although the developer wants the area annexed by the city, it is outside of the city’s limit for providing water and would be served by the Dobbin-Plantersville Water Supply Co.

“All of these variances aside, to me the most important issue is that I am not going to be comfortable with this subdivision under any circumstances unless they come to the city ... where the city is the water provider,” Huss said.

Huss argued the city had a “moral” obligation to serve the residents of this proposed development, and the separate water providers create logistical problems if there is an issue with the water or for providing sewage, which the city would have to provide if the development is annexed. The city currently creates its sewer rates based on how much water it provides to a home.

Council did not vote on the issue, but City Administrator Richard Tramm said he would discuss the water rates with the developer.