Prattville homeowners balk at plans for old cotton field

PRATTVILLE, AL (WSFA) - A plot of land that was once a cotton field off McQueen-Smith Road in Prattville has become a sore point for some nearby residents. The issue? A developer is looking at possibly building homes and apartments there.

Residents who live on the edge of the property in the Overlook subdivision fear an apartment complex will send their home values plunging.

"Prattville has 2,900 apartments. We don't need any more apartments," said Marriane Dillard, who lives off Jenny Drive in the Overlook Park subdivision.

The land is just beyond the YMCA. Dillard's neighbor, Richard Harrison, said his real estate agent told him the homes in the area would decrease in value by $25,000.

The Prattville City Council could vote Tuesday night on whether to approve another step in the long process of giving the green light to the project.

"I don't think the city is just gonna let anyone come in here and set up something. I think there's a chance what comes here could actually improve real estate," said councilman Richard Cables.

Cables is a member of the planning committee and admitted he voted in favor of rezoning the land back in March.  Now he's not sure how he'll vote when the full council considers it Tuesday night.

"Since then I've had an opportunity to speak to many residents including residents who don't live in this area.  Again, R-3 (residential)  does not guarantee the developer is going to build apartments," said Cables.

Regardless of what happens, Cables says this potential project is a long way from being approved, if it's approved at all.

"This is the second or third step in about 20. This is a process. They have valid concerns," said Cables.

Residents say they have a computerized petition with more than 400 signatures against the apartment complex plans.

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