After two hours of sometimes-heated discussion, the Oxford Planning Commission tabled a request to approve plans for a 22-home development off Highways 30 and 7 after several residents in the area said they were concerned about a proposed dam being built on the property for storm water control.

The 22 single-family homes would be built on 30 acres of land. The zoning would allow for 142 lots.

The plans for the hilly site include two dams, one larger one located in the middle of the property, and a second smaller one located close to Zilla Avent Drive and just 40 feet or so from William Strickland’s house who opposed the dam being built so close to his home.

The storm water plans were approved by the city planning staff and engineers as well as the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality that stated the dam did not need a safety permit due to its size.

Developer Tony Salvaggio said he has worked with the city’s engineers and his own team of engineers to come up with the safest and most effective storm water retention plan for more than a year and would not build anything that would be unsafe.

Another neighbor, Rick Addy said if the dam broke lives could be at stake.

The commission tabled the request to approve the preliminary and final plat for its January meeting to give Salvaggio time to consider another plan that would eliminate the need for the second dam near Strickland’s home.