Maybe they are building more apartments for the Gilbert Manor residents to live in....
Despite the objections of some residents, the Columbia County Planning Commission voted Thursday night to recommend the rezoning of 10 acres in Evans for use as apartments.
Currently zoned for commercial uses, the land at the corner of Washington and Kroger roads abuts about 20 acres already zoned apartment-residential, according to county records.
"We're of the opinion that this property zoned as A-R (apartment-residential) will make this site a much better site for apartment development," said Jeff Browning, the county's director of planning and development.
Planning Commissioner Tony Atkins agreed with Mr. Browning's assessment.
"I think this is a good zoning," he said. "I think we look for the highest and best use for the property. ... It's a heck of a lot better than C-2 (commercial zoning)."
Chairwoman Deanne Hall and Commissioner Jean Garniewicz sided with Mr. Atkins, while Commissioner Dean Thompson cast the lone dissenting vote.
Four residents asked planning commissioners to deny the rezoning, citing school overcrowding, traffic and other concerns.
"It's crazy to think we could have more traffic on Washington Road than we already have," said Beth Frits, a resident of the Spring Lakes neighborhood.
Dennis Trotter, a Realtor representing the landowner, said the 312-unit proposed apartment complex would produce less traffic than if a retail venture located on the property.
Jim Berardinelli, the director of real estate for Johnson Development Associates Inc., said his company intends to build an upscale apartment complex targeted to young professionals at an average cost of $900 per month per apartment.
The 10 acres in question had previously been zoned for apartments, but was rezoned for commercial in mid-2007 for a proposed tractor supply store, Mr. Browning said. That plan did not materialize.
The additional 10 acres would allow developers to shift the apartment buildings away from neighboring homes, Mr. Berardinelli said.
A previous rezoning condition stipulates a 150-foot buffer zone between the apartment complex and the Heritage Hill subdivision. Mr. Berardinelli said his company's plan is to double that.
The planning commission's recommendation will be heard Jan. 15 by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, which is the final authority for the rezoning.
County Commissioner Tom Mercer, who was at Thursday's meeting, said he intends to oppose the rezoning at Washington and Kroger roads.
"We've got eight locations already zoned for apartments," he said. "We don't need any more apartments."
Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
Maybe they are building more apartments for the Gilbert Manor residents to live in....
This is going to neccessitate yet another stoplight on Washington Rd. Just exactly what is needed in this area. There are many other upscale apartments available in the area. Terrible decision. Come out to the Commission meeting on the 15th and help stop this idiocy.
Can't prove it but I'm sure someone's pockets were stuffed to get this approved. Just another example of who runs the county growth management plan.
As the article stated, apartment uses generate substantially less traffic than retail uses and this project wouldn't generate enough to warrant a traffic light. Its current retail zoning could require a light.
I think apartments at this location is a reasonable development and something Columbia County needs. Remember, the "re-zoning" request that was approved was to return 10 acres that had been previously re-zoned to its original zoning class of high-density residential. Now there are 30 acres there zoned high-density residential, perfect for an apartment complex. It would be nice if P&Z made them plant a couple of trees after construction, but the trees couldn't be anywhere near Washington Road or the trees would kill some drivers. Maybe the apartment complex needs a sound barrier wall on Washington Road so the drivers will be safe.
From Homeowners which fought that same lot 5 years ago.
Apartments at this location is NOT reasonable development and something Columbia County need more of, and it was not 5 years ago for the same plot back then. Time and time again the planning department keeps saying good idea, and disregards each opposing topic which we fought 5 years ago on traffic, wildlife in the creek, school capacity and decline in home values.
It seems after each battle is won on stopping the same AR developement, the PLANNERS tend to clean the slate off disregarding past issues. But the home owners and sub divisions are ready to bring all those past topics and new ones up at the meeting yet again.
It is sad that we must keep fighting and re reminding the opposing issues which conflict with the padded concept of such a Great idea.
They voted NO to the C2 to AR change 3 to 1.
We hope that Mr. Cash would consider he change the remaining AR zone which is land locked back to the original R3 from 5 years ago. But saying that we all understand that would not happen because he needs to make money as well.
He would have much a much greater support of the Tax payers which would be effected by the land If he would Consider C2 or Professional Development.
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