Neighbors Turn Out Against Proposed Brownstone Townhomes

Between 40–50 neighbors, mostly from the Crystal Lake subdivision, turned out to Thursday night’s zoning board meeting in opposition to two proposed developments in their area. The proposals were for a new gas station at Jonesboro Road and North Mt. Carmel Road, and brownstone townhomes at Jonesboro Road and Mitchell Road.

Planning staff and the zoning advisory board recommended denial on both requests. The board of commissioners must consider them at a later date to make a final decision.

Mitchell Road Townhomes

The Reservoir Group of Madison, GA is seeking to rezone 21 acres located at 3168 Jonesboro Road. This property is on the north side of Jonesboro Road between McCullough and Mitchell Roads. The applicant has applied for RM (residential multifamily) zoning to build a townhome development.

The proposed development would consist of 2 and 3-story brownstone townhomes. Townhomes would be either two or three bedrooms, with a two-car garage. There are 87 units in total. Each townhome would be available to sell to individual buyers. They are not intended for rental use. Projected price points start in the mid-$300s.

Amenities within the proposed project include several large open spaces, pool and clubhouse, dog park and bocce ball court(s). The applicant is also proposing a 100’ undisturbed buffer along Jonesboro Road as well as at least a 30’ buffer on other property lines. Finally, the development would feature gated access.

The future land use map supports medium-density residential on the property, or six net units per acre. The proposed development meets this threshold. Its net density would be 6.0 units per acre.

Planning staff recommended denial of the request, citing Jonesboro Road at Chambers as the present western extent of multifamily development. The zoning advisory board also made a recommendation of denial. The request now awaits a meeting before the county commissioners.

North Mt. Carmel Road Gas Station

A commercial request also in the Dutchtown area experienced a similar result. The proposed development consists of a gas station and retail space at the southwest corner of Jonesboro Road and North Mt. Carmel Road.

The applicant, Hecht Walker Jordan, PC of Stockbridge, GA, has applied for rezoning to C-2 (general commercial). In addition, they applied to amend the future land use map to support commercial. They are representing a Stockbridge gas station owner looking to expand in their request.

The proposed service station would feature a convenience store and space for seven additional retail stores. These would be small retail spaces — about 1,300 square feet — commonly found attached to service stations. The property consists of four acres.

Planning staff noted there is no other existing commercial development within the property’s immediate vicinity. For said reason, staff recommended denial. The zoning board made the same decision. It too now awaits the commissioners for a final decision.

Featured image shows a rendering for the Mitchell Drive townhomes. Moore Bass Consulting photo.