The Milton City Council has approved the final plat for the Echo neighborhood, set to be built on the outskirts of Crabapple. This neighborhood will feature a unique underground water detention system, disguised as a park. The development will consist of 23 single-family lots across nearly 5 acres along Crabapple Road, located between Lecoma Trace and Green Road, near the existing Crabapple Crossroads and Waterside subdivisions. With this approval, Arkan Homes, the developer, can begin selling lots and start construction, as stated by Tracie Wildes, Land Development Manager.
According to the City of Milton release, Arkan Homes has been preparing the site by paving roads, erecting fences, and planning pedestrian walkways. The most notable feature of the development is the underground water detention system, which involves large pipes beneath the surface to collect water, costing about 3.5 times more than traditional above-ground ponds. This system is a key part of the community's infrastructure.
Wildes praised the architectural plans for the development, noting that the designs fit well with the neighborhood’s character. "Arkan Homes has done a great job capturing the Miltonesque look of the architecture that we enjoy in downtown Crabapple," she said in the same release.
The City Council also discussed the future of the Deerfield area as part of the ongoing Deerfield Implementation Plan. Although the plan will take years to complete, the projected growth over the next 20 years is a significant concern. The City is focused on ensuring adequate services, government revenue, and school enrollment levels are maintained. Deputy City Manager Bernadette Harvill mentioned that the commercial tax base is expected to double, which presents both challenges and opportunities.
A key issue in the planning process has been the impact on public school enrollments. Working with Fulton County Schools, city staff has projected increases in student populations. The growth will be manageable for middle and high schools, but elementary schools may face challenges without redistricting or new facilities. "The data and transparency is great. It’s good for planning," said Mayor Peyton Jamison, in the City of Milton release.
