EVANS, Ga. – A new housing development is being proposed for Columbia County, with the goal of bringing what developers are calling “courtyard cottage living” to the area. Brightside Homes is requesting a rezoning of 15 acres near Mullins Crossing in Evans to accommodate the construction of over 120 tiny cottages, designed to address the ongoing housing shortage.

The plan calls for the development of 123 cottages, with the potential for each acre to hold nearly eight cottages. These homes would range in size from one-bedroom, one-bath units to three-bedroom, 2.5-bath homes. Developers also plan to include several amenities for future residents, such as a pool, clubhouse, dog park, nature trails, and a gym.

Despite the promise of these amenities, the proposal has raised concerns among local residents. Columbia County resident Hailey Etzel voiced her concerns about the potential long-term impacts of such a large development on the area.

“Anytime you add housing like this, it affects property values all around it and the county. I’m curious what it would look like down the road,” said Etzel, adding that the potential increase in traffic and population density is also troubling. “I have a lot of questions about the long term. What would that look like if we bring that many people into that small of a space?”

Mullins Crossing, a popular and busy area, is already experiencing a significant amount of traffic, and many are wondering if the proposed development could exacerbate these issues.

Brightside Homes, however, believes that the development could be a solution to the housing shortage in the area while improving the quality of life for residents. The company has yet to receive approval from the Columbia County planning commission, which will review the proposal at a meeting scheduled for February 20.

Local leaders have echoed the need for more information before making a final decision. “We’re waiting to hear more from the developers before we chime in for a comment,” said a spokesperson for Columbia County.

As residents await the upcoming planning and zoning meeting, the future of the proposed courtyard cottage development remains uncertain.