It was not exactly what home builder Jay Knight wanted. But when the discussion was over and the vote taken, Fairburn City Council Dec. 11 delayed until late January its decision on the request to build three townhomes on one-half acre in the city’s historical district.

Knight sought approval to construct three, 1,800 square-foot, two-story townhomes on .49 acres at 90 East Campbellton Road across from Landmark Christian School. The proposal would require rezoning to R-CT (Residential-Condo/Townhouse) over the current R-2 zoning that allows for two homes per acre.

City Administrator Jim Williams said the project would require multiple variances, though the city’s Comprehensive Plan does call for creative housing solutions in older areas of the city. Williams recommended continuing the request for 60 days. During that time, Williams said, city staff would attempt to draft an amendment to the text of the Zoning Ordinance to conform to the vision expressed in the Comprehensive Plan. Williams recommended denial of the request if the 60-day period was not acceptable to Knight.

Speaking to the council, Knight said a 60-day wait would compromise his ability to undertake the project. Knight was hoping to utilize one of the residences two or three days per week due to his children’s attendance at Landmark. Knight said he paid $100,000 for the property and anticipated the homes selling in the $200,000 range.

“We’re part of the community and we have connections to Landmark,” he said.

Area residents such as Troy Harrison, Nell Smith and Steve Thomas spoke in opposition to the project. They surfaced issues of high density residential development on a small tract, the inappropriateness of constructing the townhomes in the historic district, parking concerns for three residences and the fear that the units would become rental property. Council members shared many of those reservations. Some on the council suggested the request include construction of two townhomes rather than three.

Knight disagreed with the opposition, saying that other Landmark parents might take advantage of the close proximity to the school by purchasing the townhomes. The townhomes will be upscale and would likely not become rental property in the near future, he said.

After some discussion and a suggestion by Williams, a unanimous vote imposed a 45-day wait. The issue will be discussed at the council’s Jan. 22 meeting.

Fairburn Planning Commission recommended denial of the request at its Dec. 5 meeting, citing opposition by neighbors and concerns that the proposed use would detract from the established character of the neighborhood and reduce property value.

Knight has other residential projects in the Fairburn area, including Meadow Glen subdivision and Renaissance Southpark townhomes, now under construction.

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