SUWANEE – Despite opposition to the project, Suwanee City Council has voted unanimously for approval of a $46.5 million mixed-use development in the Town Center area.
The lots for the large development are located behind Suwanee Town Center. Proposal RZ 2015-001 changes the zoning of the lot area at the intersection of Buford Highway and Chicago Street from a Light Industry District (M-1) to a Planned Mixed Use Development District (PMUD).
The rezoning allows developers Terwilliger-Pappas to create a five-story building with 235 apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor.
Several residents stood in line to speak Tuesday night in the public hearing both for and against the proposal.
Suwanee resident Christina Soler led the charge for the opposition.
"I don’t think it is the right time, I don’t think that it is scaled appropriately for the space, and it will dwarf City Hall that we are all so proud of," said Soler.
"It needs to be well thought out and more in line with the 20/20 Vision plan and the Downtown Suwanee Master Plan of 2011."
Among those who came to support the proposal was former Suwanee Mayor Nick Masino.
“This is an economic generator for Suwanee and Gwinnett County.” said Masino.
“This will create a housing option that does not currently exist in the county, it is more urban and mix use, which will help us recruit and maintain companies.”
Councilwoman Beth Hilscher recommended additions to the proposal before the vote. Those additions included electronic car stations, improvement to the pond outdoor area, a public discussion of the design of the building, as well as taking a look at possible traffic concerns.
As of right now, there is no word on a time frame for construction of the project.
