The Flowery Branch City Council Thursday night voted unanimously to deny both an annexation and rezoning request for a 144-lot residential townhome development.
The applicant, H. Carson Smith, IV, was requesting to rezone a 22.30-acre tract of land located along Mitchell Street and Jones Road away from an Agricultural District zoning, allowing for a townhome development, according to city documents.
Along with the rezoning request, Smith was also requesting to annex a small portion of the property into the City of Flowery Branch, as it currently resides in unincorporated Hall County.
The originally submitted site plans proposed 144 attached residential townhomes, which would be built with "architectural elements which are compatible with the character of the surrounding area," the request reads.
Included in the townhome design are two-car garages, green spaces, a gazebo and other recreational opportunities, according to the narrative of the application.
The surrounding area is currently bordered by mixed uses, including the Tide Water Cove townhome community, the Trails West Mobile Home Park and the Hideaway Bay Marina. Additionally, there are boat and RV storage and automotive services, as well as the Fish Tales Lakeside Grille.
Flowery Branch Planning Staff recommended denial of the application prior to Thursday's meeting, citing an overwhelming traffic burden that would be added to Mitchell Street if the development is approved.
The City Council's decision to deny the application fell in line with that recommendation.
