A months-long debate might finally be resolved on Dec. 20, when Gwinnett County commissioners will consider a trio of rezoning requests totaling 118 acres along Gravel Springs Road in the Buford area.
Satilla Capital Partners is proposing a senior living community near Gravel Springs' intersection with Brown Road near I-85; it would include a personal care home, a 118-unit single-family subdivision and a 190-unit townhome community.
County staff and the planning commission have both recommended approval (with conditions) of the care home and subdivision, and denial of the townhome community.
Residents voiced their concerns at a public hearing Thursday night, taking issue with how the developer has altered the plans throughout the months-long process.
"It has been a very difficult process," said Renee Unterman, state senator, speaking on behalf of residents. "If I look at the totality of this project, it has been discombobulated and thrown together."
Developers, however, contend that their project fits the area, and provides an opportunity to "claim" the land with a high quality product.
"We think (it's) a good mix, a good combination of uses, but something that balances the quality, because certainly they have great communities there, good quality homes. We respect that and appreciate that," said Marian Adeimy, attorney for Andersen, Tate and Carr, which is representing the developer.
Neighbors were concerned about the townhome community, especially with the density of the lots. In response, developers lowered the number of lots and offered concessions to try to appease the community.
Additional conditions include a requirement of brick and stone siding for the homes, especially the ones closest to Gravel Springs Road, and a minimum square footage of 2,200 for one-story single family homes and 2,400 for two-story.
Site plans call for amenities in the community, including a pool, tennis courts and walking trails.
"I hear the concerns, and we've been through a long, long process to get (here)," said District 4 Commissioner John Heard.
Commissioners tabled the plan so developers could work out issues over future road projects, including the new interchange coming to I-85 at Gravel Springs, and an extension to Sugarloaf Parkway.
No public hearing will be held Dec. 20, but commissioners could give the matter a final vote.
