A Washington state-based developer has proposed a massive mixed-use development in Effingham County that would include 1,350 housing units, commercial space and parks uses.
Blue Fern Development submitted a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) application Aug. 5 for Fetzer Landing to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which was reviewed by the Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia. BFD, a land development firm, did not respond to multiple requests for comment by the Savannah Morning News.
The proposal has not come before the county officials, and a county spokesperson said no documentation has been submitted to its offices as of Aug. 31.
Coastal Regional Commission (CRC) of Georgia has reviewed the project. Here are several key takeaways
from the proposed development.
What all does the project entail?
The site is located on Highway 17 South, with portions located behind and across from an existing solar farm. A site plan shows 273 acres designated for single family housing, 23 acres for multifamily housing, 10 acres for commercial development and 20 acres designated for parks and open spaces, including a potential connection to the Truelten Trail project. Approximately 416 acres would be preserved for wetlands. Proposed amenities include trails, boardwalks and a dog park.
According to the DRI report, the estimated value of the project is $590 million and could generate approximately $700,000 in sales tax revenue. The development is expected to support an estimated 240 jobs, most likely through the commercial property, and the developer believes the region's workforce is sufficient to support the project. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the unemployment rate in Effingham County at 2.9% in June 2026, less than the 3.4% statewide unemployment rate.
Using a standard household-size multiplier of 2.5 residents per unit, the project could add approximately 3,375 individuals to Effingham County's population, an area that saw a 72% increase in its population from 2000 to 2020, according to CRC. The Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget says the county's population is expected to increase to 82,568 by 2030.
Site plans also show the potential for a roundabout to connect the properties. Although a traffic study has not been completed, the developer acknowledged that traffic upgrades will be needed, though specific upgrades have not been identified. Site plans show the potential for a roundabout at the main entrance and at least 2,956 daily traffic vehicle trips, including 1,163 at morning peak hours and 1,793 during afternoon peak hours.
Environmental
CRC says in its report that streams, as well as other areas considered sensitive habitats are of concern and that stringent erosion control practices should be utilized during construction, as well as re-establishing vegetation on areas that are disturbed as soon as possible.
CRC recommended the use of natural vegetation, buffer strips and vegetated swales to reduce stormwater runoff and protect water quality. Portions of the site are located within FEMA-designated A and AE flood zones, areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding.
Who is Blue Fern Development?
Blue Fern Development is a family-owned development company based in Redmond, Wa. The majority of its projects are in Washington and California. However, the company already has a presence in Effingham County through Willow Fern Estates, a 100-acre residential community expected to have 203 single family homes, according to a preliminary plat approval 11 months ago.
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Massive 1,350 home development proposed for Effingham | Exclusive
