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After hearing several residents’ concerns about a proposed subdivision plat for property in the area of Andalusia High School, the Andalusia Planning Commission denied the plan by a unanimous vote following a public hearing Thursday.

The plan for the Henderson Estate Subdivision presented to the planning commission involved a 6.04-acre block of wooded property surrounded by College Street, Fourth Avenue, Second Street, and Fifth Avenue. Facing Second Street would have been six plots and facing College Street would have been four lots.

The property owner, Sam Studstill, said he has done some work to construct retaining walls on College Avenue and Fifth Street, but will keep the lots as-is with the intention of placing the 10 individual lots for sale. Studstill was joined by an engineer for the project, Casey Thompson.

Upon going into the public hearing portion of the meeting, several residents addressed concerns and asked questions about the proposal. Some of the concerns raised was in regard to two creeks and gullies that runs through the property.

“My concern is for houses being built on a 20-foot gulley using wood to hold it up. How long is that going to last?,” said Aurelia Scherf.

Another resident of the area, Frances McGowan, said that while he is for growth, the proposed area was not the place for it.

“I want to see Andalusia expand and see it’s tax base expand. But I want to see it do in a logical place. College Street is one of the prettiest places in the city, and it’s also a historical district,” McGowan said.

Others said the additional homes could cause additional traffic, putting school-aged children who walk that area to and from school at risk.

“We’re walking neighborhood,” said Amy Spurlin. “It’s a wonderful place to live. We feel like we are the heart of Andalusia. We can walk up to the high school, we can hear the announcer on Friday nights. If there were two or three houses with people who are going to love the neighborhood like we love our houses, that would be fine.”

A forester who also lives in the neighborhood, Andrew Loflin, said he had looked at purchasing the same property in the past, but determined only the northern part of the property would be usable due to the wetland and drainage aspects.

After closing the public hearing portion of the meeting, commission member Joe Nix made a motion to deny the plat, which was approved unanimously.