DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne Planning Commission Wednesday heard a proposal for a new plan regarding townhouses on nearly 10 acres of wetlands behind the Sommerset subdivision on Alabama Highway 181.

Previous plans here brought outcry from Sommerset residents during the Dec. 5, 2007 city council meeting, with concerns such as traffic congestion, privacy and water strains.

New plans change the townhouses’ garage locations to block second-story window views to Sommerset, according to Trey Jinright, of M&S Development.

Jinright also showed few traffic issues to come since the development will target retired residents, not large families.

“The primary living area — kitchen and master bedroom — will be downstairs with a guest bedroom and bathroom upstairs,” Jinright said, explaining how the design attracts retirees.

“These are all valid changes,” Commissioner Larry Chason said.

He suggested Jinright address Sommerset neighbors about the changes and assess their reaction.

Commissioner DeLeon Thomas agreed that communication with neighbors is key during new development.

“Other developers didn’t inform neighbors (to their detriment). It’s best to have some discussion,” he said.

Also Wednesday, commissioners voiced concerns about Alabama 181’s growth, regarding requested annexation just north of Dunmore subdivision.

The approximately 58-acre development would include local business areas, houses and apartments, if approved, according to David Diehl of Engineering Development Services.

Some commissioners explained that this project wasn’t directly problematic, but they feared the lack of a comprehensive plan for 181.

“I wish we’d spend time as a planning commission and look at the entire 181 corridor,” Chason said. “People clog the east to west roads coming to town….

“This is a little bitty piece of the big puzzle.”

Commissioner Victoria Phelps agreed, adding that Baldwin County 13 needed similar attention.

Otherwise, Phelps commended the developers’ plan.

“Your concept for smart growth is good; to have a business in front and mixed (residential area) behind,” she said.

Another planned residential area — 12-acres located on Main Street adjacent to Jackson’s Oak Drive — would be a gated community with a marina and boat launch.

Drainage issues were a main concern.

Representatives of Volkert & Associates said they’ll have a storm septor to treat drainage, temporary retention ponds during construction and silk fences that prevent erosion.

In other business, developers of a 31-acre, proposed Daphne Business Park on U.S. Highway 98 and Stanton Road will assume responsibility for maintenance of retention ponds until construction is completed. Afterward, the property owners association would take responsibility.

If the ponds were not properly maintained, further permits would not be issued for additional phases, according to Mayor Fred Small.