The Gainesville City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve Gillsville Investment, LLC’s request to amend the existing zoning for 285 residential units on Gaines Mill Road and Gillsville Highway.
According to Gainesville’s Community and Economic Development Deputy Director, Matt Tate, due to “topography challenges and existing strains on the property” the company had to downsize to 285 units from 375.
Gainesville residents, Tim and Sherry Mize, spoke in opposition to the development. Tim claimed traffic is “backed up three-quarters of a mile” and that the development will bring more traffic to the area.
“We have 300 houses going in now. Maybe half a mile down the road. Now they put in 275 more houses,” he said. “It's ridiculous. And plus, we're dealing with the smell that's coming out from the landfill out there.”
Tim was also concerned about safety, especially for the children.
“You don’t have a yield sign or anything. And we can’t get a traffic light from GDOT? It's going to take somebody getting hurt or somebody getting killed,” he said.
The Council addressed the residents' concerns, clarifying that there will be no traffic coming through Gaines Mill Road.
The 285 residential units will now include 172 family homes and 113 townhomes. Access will be provided from Gillsville Highway.
