Wednesday, October 11, 2000
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Wednesday, October 11, 2000 |
| Council schedules
hearing to lift moratorium
By JOHN MUNFORD Proposed changes to the Lexington Park multiuse development could end up being a benefit, Peachtree City staff told the City Council during its regular meeting Thursday night. Developers are proposing an increase in the number of homes and a reduction in the commercial portion of the development. Council already has approved limited use commercial zoning for the project, but the proposed changes might be so significant that a new rezoning would be required. Acting on the staff recommendation, council scheduled a public hearing on the possibility of lifting the city's moratorium on multifamily housing for its next meeting, Oct. 19. Jim Williams, the city's director of developmental services, said the proposal would likely help traffic in the area. He also said staff needs to look further into the details of the proposal, which suggests many other changes for the property at the intersection of Ga. Highway 54 and Walt Banks Road. "We feel very strongly this is a wise decision as far as we're concerned," Williams said. Bob Adams Homes is proposing that the number of residential units be increased from 160 to 260, including both lofts and town houses. The company is asking to reduce the amount of retail space, including restaurants, from 200,000 square feet to 134,000 square feet. Also, Adams Homes wants to cut in half the original office space, from 90,000 square feet to about 40,000. Another new tweak to the plan is a request for 68,000 square feet of "live/work space" and an additional 45,000 square feet set aside for a hotel or assisted living space. "These are very specific changes," Williams said, adding that he is confident the city will be able to help devise a good site plan before the end of the year. Bob Adams Homes' option on the land expires Dec. 31. If the option is not exercised, the land would revert to its original zoning effectively scrapping the entire project. Councilman Robert Brooks said the project won't end up being an apartment complex, and it's important for the public to realize this is a mixed-use plan. But Councilman Dan Tennant pointed out that there has been no commitment not to put apartments in Lexington Park. "The terminology I get is that it will be market-driven," Tennant said. Brooks said it is important for council to begin the process of studying the proposed changes. Councilwoman Annie McMenamin said it wouldn't be good if the property reverted to its former zoning, noting that the city was involved in a 14-year legal battle over the land. "A considerable amount of tax dollars over the years have been spent on this," she said. "It would be a terrible tragedy if it reverts back to its old zoning." Williams noted that a neighborhood association supported having more residential space and less commercial space in Lexington Park. The "fast track" schedule would allow the city Planning Commission to have a public hearing on the rezoning request Oct. 23 so the matter could possibly come before council for a final decision Nov. 2.
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