Development near county line draws concerns
TUSCUMBIA — Concerns over a large land development in neighboring Franklin County are now reaching into Colbert County, where some property owners say the project could create issues if it moves forward.
The development, marketed as Lightning Ridge, includes roughly 150 lots carved from more than 1,100 acres. While most of the property lies in Franklin County, nine of the tracts extend into Colbert County. Eight lots appear to have already sold with two listed as pending.
At issue is whether the property qualifies as a legal subdivision and whether buyers understand what they are purchasing.
Under Alabama law, developers must submit subdivision plans for review before marketing lots as part of a subdivision. This process includes filing a proposed plat with the county’s engineering department or planning commission to ensure compliance with regulations covering infrastructure, drainage and street design.
In areas outside municipalities, final approval must come from the county commission.
Also, a public road is required for a subdivision so emergency vehicles can reach it. A public road is defined as a street or highway maintained by a public authority.
Jeff McCollum, who owns property near Pope Tower Road in Colbert County, said the road to Lightning Ridge does not meet this definition.
“Pope Tower Road is not a public road,” McCollum said. “I am concerned about whether these people know they are buying property with no access to a public road.”
The development borders both counties. Access runs along Troy Thorn Road in Franklin County and Pope Tower Road in Colbert County. McCollum said the road crosses the county line multiple times and historically has been maintained by timber companies, not the counties.
“There are seven or eight of us that live on that road,” he said. “I don’t want any of that chaos to spill into our neck of the woods. It’s a good neighborhood.”
McCollum said he worries buyers may have to cross private property to reach their land, which could lead to disputes among neighbors.
“People ride fourwheelers up and down that road all the time and end up on private property without realizing,” he said. “I don’t want people to start suing each other. I don’t want the mess in Franklin County to jump across to Colbert.”
He said traffic in and out of the area can already be difficult. He also pointed out the subdivision would sit in a remote location.
“It would be out in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “I think people who would buy a lot would be misled in what they are getting involved in.”
McCollum said he visited a similar project by the same company in another county and came away concerned about access, utilities and sanitation.
“It’s not something I would want for my neighbor,” he said.
The Franklin County Commission recently authorized its county attorney to pursue legal action aimed at stopping further sales for Lightning Ridge, arguing that required subdivision regulations were not followed.
Officials there have said no subdivision plat was submitted for approval and that the development does not meet the legal definition of a subdivision.
The Lightning Ridge listing has since been removed from the Classic Country Land website, but the property remained listed for sale on Online Land Hub, a partner site which helps market the company’s inventory.
Marketing materials describe the tracts as undeveloped, off-gridfriendly land. The company advertises no credit checks, flexible financing and direct sales without middlemen. Cash buyers are offered a 20% discount.
Lot prices range from $24,317 for 4.67 acres, or about $5,207 per acre, to $139,904 for 28.23 acres, or about $4,956 per acre.
According to Alabama Ag Credit, the statewide average value of land as of February 2025 is $3,409 per acre.
