Forestar Realty Group eyeing property on Highway 119 for proposed 272 homes in Pembroke

Georgia Highway 119 is a two-lane byway that stretches 81 miles and veers into various parts of rural America, including Riceboro and Clyo. Pembroke carries a portion of the road and developers have taken notice of the vast terrain that sits just outside the city limit.

It is eye candy for anyone in the real estate industry.

On April 8, Pembroke City Council will hear the first reading for the rezoning of more than 100 acres of land for a proposed housing development. The site would feature 272 homes on the state route that connects multiple municipalities.

City Manager Chris Benson said the development would be a financial gain for the town that could use the funds to help pay for water and sewer improvements worth $16 million.

“Growth will pay for the cost of those improvements, and we anticipate at least 150 new residential building permits to be pulled when and if developments are approved,” said Benson. “The improvements will give the city an additional 700,000 gallons per day in sewer treatment capacity.”

The 124-acre site would be at Simms Road/George Edwards Road near Highway 119.

Forestar Realty Group proposes the following:

• Phase 1: 114 homes in 2026
• Phase 2: 92 homes in 2027
• Phase 3: 66 homes in 2028

The King Parcels Planned Unit Development document states, “The City of Pembroke’s Comprehensive Plan calls for more varied healthy and safe housing types and wanting to promote home ownership, the proposed development of the properties as a residential neighborhood would help serve the needs stated in the Comprehensive Plan and provide for an extension of continued growth within the City of Pembroke.”

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.