The Planning Commission on Monday recommended approval for another hilltop subdivision - this one along Beason Drive above Pineville Road near U.S. 27.

Neighbors said it would take away from the last green stretches in that part of town.

John Mosier said, "Nobody wants a big complex up there. The whole area is getting flooded with these."

He also said it would bring additional runoff problems down on him and his neighbors. He said, "We might as well just get boats and stay afloat."

Tina Jones said the property contains owls, opossums, deer and other wildlife pushed away from other recently developed areas.

Another neighbor said, "This was the last bastion for our scenic city. They are building everywhere."

Planning Commission members said with the current zoning that almost as many duplexes could be built "by right."

Donna Shephard of A.D. Engineering said the developers went for a Planned Unit Development because that allowed the project to be squeezed more along the ridge line and leave more green space around it. A stretch near the highway is to be kept as open space.

Developer William Wilson said, "The whole intent" was to be able to have shorter lots and thus lessen the footprint.

Ms. Shephard said the current narrow Beason Drive would be widened to city street requirements.

The project will be ringed by a sidewalk.

The case next goes to the City Council.