They say it is a sign of the times. Older times, that is. Fayetteville Planning & Zoning Commission agreed June 24 to recommend approval of a rezoning proposal to have the single-family Stella’s Place development on Grady Avenue become an age-restricted community of attached homes.

The proposal asks for the 38.15-acre parcel just south of Ga. Highway 54 to be rezoned from R-20 PUD (Planned Unit Development) to MO (Medical Office), a zoning category that can allow age-restricted dwellings. Project representative Larry Seabolt home prices would begin at $200,000 or more, with either two units or four units attached. Plans for the 68 residences will feature four or five different fronts, Seabolt said.

Commissioner Allen Feldman said he had three problems with the proposal. Those included a motivation to change the development due to current market requirements, traffic conditions along Grady Avenue that would present a nightmare for seniors and the assumption that senior residential developments would be somewhere near medical facilities. Feldman said he liked the idea of the proposal, but thought it would be more amenable if it were moved to another location.

Commissioner Chet Enigenburg disagreed.

“We’re often told we have inadequate housing for 55 and older,” he said. “I think this project is in the right direction for the demographics and helps the density goal for the downtown area.”

Speaking to commissioners, nearby resident Bob Lester cited traffic concerns and the noise from emergency vehicles that has become commonplace.

Commissioners voted 3-1 to recommend approval. Feldman voted in opposition.

The rezoning request will go before the city council in July.

Also at the meeting, commissioners approved development plans from Branch Banking and Trust (BB&T) to construct a 4,000 square-foot bank building at 800 S. Glynn Street. The proposed building would be situated on 1.12 acres off Summit Point. Commissioners complimented the bank on the architectural aspects of the proposal.

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