The developer of a 9.4-acre tract at 7038 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road said he has decided to put single-family homes there instead of 117 townhomes.
Dawson Halliday, who owns the Ooltewah Chik-fil-A, said the current plan involves leaving a house at the site and adding 39 building lots.
Mr. Halliday initially said he was developing the property because he has trouble finding places to live for his 30 employees. He said they have to reside in Cleveland, Tn., or North Georgia due to the scarcity of housing they can afford.
He said the project would have access to Ooltewah-Georgetown Road in two places.
Nathan Janeway, county director of development services, asked that the developer to also be required to have access to nearby Sylar Road, instead of a cul de sac within the development.
Mr. Halliday said he feared that would make his project a "cut through" that could be dangerous for children there.
His engineer said adding the road with a 50-foot path would likely take away 3-4 lots.
The County Commission is due to vote on the rezoning request next Wednesday.