Busy Planning and Appeals meeting is a good indicator

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board saw a busy agenda Tuesday night, the busiest they've seen in challenging economic times according to the chairman.

Board members approved two annexation requests, one for a 76 acre expansion of Cresswind at Lake Lanier, already a large active adult subdivision. The expansion gives Cresswind an additional 151 lots for a total of 950 on 469 acres. The Board heard concerns about possible traffic congestion if a second gated entrance is built on the back side of the development on Montgomery Drive. Gainesville planner Matt Tate said plans for the entrance would remain.

"I would see a point of primary access for residents that lived on this side of Phase (3)," Tate said.

At least one Cresswind resident wanted it required that Cresswind would pay for additional amenities, and not the homeowners. There was also concern that a traffic study for the project would delay housing construction. Board members cast five yes votes with an abstention from Doyle Johnson.

The Board approved a voluntary island annexation of one of the 115 county parcels up for annexation by the city. Robert Dimo stated in his application that he wanted to build a new jewelry store on his lot on West End Avenue and the annexation would include a General Business zoning.

They said yes to a new family owned and operated assisted living facility on Enota Avenue at Yonah Avenue from developer Curtis McGill of Snellville. McGill told the Board he plans to build 54 suite, 32,000 square foot, two story assisted living facility. The three acre site was previously rezoned to Planned Unit Development for 29 town houses and then for multi-family apartments and single family lots. The application was withdrawn, and the wooded parcel remained undeveloped.

McGill's application met no opposition from nearby homeowners, who met Monday night according to Steve Gilliam, an attorney who lives in the area.

"Most everyone I've talked to said they thought it was a good project for that location," Gilliam said.

Chairman Dean Dadisman said the approvals represent economic progress.

"I think it was a busy meeting and it looks like it's an indication that things are picking up around Gainesville," Dadisman said. "I think we can look forward to some renewed activity in the city."

Board members also approved a name change from 'Kids Way' to Gabriel Drive on a 798 foot stretch of street intersecting Clarks Bridge Road east of Limestone Parkway. In 2005 the street was named Kids Way because a childcare facility was located there, but the daycare went out of business. There were no objections to the name change.

The Board's approval recommendations will be forwarded to the Gainesville City Council for a final decision.