The Edmond Planning Commission approved a two‑lot subdivision at 2521 Valley View Road on Oct. 7, voting 3-0 to allow an unplatted 4.8‑acre property to be split into two parcels.

The decision matters to neighbors because the property sits on a dead‑end road they described as rural and private; residents warned the division could enable further subdivision, change the neighborhood character and strain the local aquifer if a second well is drilled.

City planning staff presented the application and said the subject property is approximately 4.8 acres and zoned A, single‑family dwelling district. Staff described the proposal as a division of the existing parcel into two tracts: “Track 1 will be 66,000 square feet and 200 feet wide. And track 2 will be 129 feet,” and recommended approval. The planning commission moved and seconded a motion to approve; the motion carried by a 3-0 vote.

Several nearby residents urged denial. Jim Gendel, a resident at 25520 Valley View Road, said the process had lacked transparency: “One thing that has bothered me with this process is that it has been done without transparency. And we have had to dig and dig to find out that this was underway.” Elaine Ross, who lives at 2320 Valley View Road and described her property as wildlife‑habitat certified, said she is concerned about what could be built on the second lot and that a stable or related uses could affect property values: “My concern is that somebody could potentially buy that and use it as that and move in a a tiny house to set up, for the manager of the stable to live in, house multiple horses, multiple family horses in that location.”

Residents also raised water‑supply concerns. Judy Rutledge, who said she has lived on the north side of the property for 49 years, described utilities in the area as individual wells and septic systems and said the developer’s proposal could require another well: “If they split, there is not gas there. There is not, water there. And only electric service the big barn…If Edmond has a fire, on 35 in Covell, that area, I do not have water. So I'm concerned about another water division.” Joyce Bridal, who lives at 2520 Valley View across the street, echoed the aquifer worry and said neighbors had been told earlier by agents that the property would not be subdividable, though she and others were unable to find written restrictions.

Mark Eustace, who identified himself as the homeowner and applicant, said he and his family do not want to change the rural feel and that the property is unplatted, which allows a split: “We don't wanna change the rural feel…It is unplatted, so obviously, it can be split. And keeping the, we just, made a fairly good investment in the barn and the arena…and we're trying to make it amazing. And we're not trying to bring down the neighborhood. We're trying to make it better.” He said the owners intend to follow Edmond’s rules and regulations.

The commission closed public comment and approved the subdivision by voice vote, recorded as 3-0 in favor. The approval was final from the planning commission; the transcript does not record any conditions attached to the approval.

The planning commission moved on to other agenda items later the same night.