Friday, September 27, 2002

Union City - new community approved, Cary appointed to Planning Commission

By JANET MCGREGOR
snippets@bellsouth.net

A decrease in the acreage being developed gave GT Architecture, acting as agent for Christian City, the margin needed to win approval for a new adult community on Peters Road during last week's Union City Council meeting.

The Planning Commission recommended denial for a requested rezoning from R-4 and CUP to RMD-1.

Christian City had proposed to sell 97.88 acres to GT Architecture to build an active adult community. The Planning Commission recommended denial as the new zoning would allow a density of over 300 units to be built on the property. GT's plans called for approximately 200 units with just over 33 acres undeveloped as a large buffer and greenspace.

The commission, and some members of the council, expressed the concern that once the property was rezoned it could be sold and built out to the maximum density.

In order to address the concerns, Christian City opted to sell GT approximately 64 acres rather than the full 97.88 acres, retaining the 33 acres for greenspace.

Bob Crutchfield, CEO Christian City, answered questions from the council regarding plans for the community. The development will be, said Crutchfield, quality housing that is easily maintained.

The housing will be specifically developed for older adults with access to the services available at Christian City.

GT will be working cooperatively with Christian City to develop a community that meshes with the Christian City campus community.

The Mayor voted to approve rezoning the amended acreage breaking a two-to-two tie of the Council.

In other news, Eugene Cary was appointed to fill the Planning Commission position being vacated by Roslyn Crider's resignation. Diana Killebrew, Odell Mashburn and Milton Foster were re-appointed to the Commission.

Benchmark Group received approval for the Final Plat in Lake Overlook Subdivision and Phase II and III for Deep Creek in Highpoint Subdivision.

Dr. Velvet McDonald received approval to move two houses into the city, one to be used as a doctor's office on Shannon Parkway.

Approval was given for the plans for the new Fire Station No. 1 to be located on Highpoint Road. Working with Group VI and Brown Design Group, Collins is hoping to build a station that will "run with virtually zero energy costs to the city."