A large delegation of St. Elmo residents told members of the Planning Commission on Monday that they do not want Hawkins Ridge developed.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval for rezoning to R-1 for a small portion of the large tract atop the hill on the east side of the historic community.
Mike Price, who is representing Sunnyside Properties LLC, said the request was for just under an acre and was to allow the construction of a $350,000 home at the dead end of 46th Street.
He had wanted RTZ zoning instead of R-1, saying that a frontage variance will be necessary under R-1.
Opponents, including minister Cal Boroughs, said it would set a precedent that might lead to development of the entire wooded tract.
Others, including Lauren Kilpatrick, said they were concerned about increased water runoff from any development, as well as traffic.
Jeffrey Cross said the road leading up to the tract is as steep as 22 percent grade.
Joe Martin said the narrow roads in St. Elmo could not handle the traffic from a large development on Hawkins Ridge. He said fringe areas of the ridge could be developed, but the bulk of it in the center should be placed in a conservation easement.
Garnet Chapin said he had "always hoped that Hawkins Ridge would be open space." He said of the owners, "I hoped they would let it rest in peace." But he said they are "not men of good will and not men of their word." City Councilman Yusuf Hakeem afterward said such charges should not be made at the commission meeting.
Mr. Chapin said the application was "a clear case of the camel trying to get its nose under the tent."
Officials said 30 acres on the ridge top is zoned M-1, 4.5 acres R-3 and 17.5 acres R-1.
The tract in question is M-1. Mr. Price said a large warehouse could be put on the lot with associated parking - without going through any zoning bodies.
Hawkins Ridge was long owned by Stein Construction Company, which used it as a borrow pit.
Developers who bought it at auction in September 2014, later said they were planning a "new community" at Hawkins Ridge.
The 55 acres sold for $332,500. There were 70 bids on the property.
A video said the project would be coming in the spring of 2015 It said there would be 65 lots, including 30 with city views and 30 with mountain views. The video said it would feature "green homes" priced between $250,000 and $350,000.
Hiking trails were to be included.