Rezoning Request Causes Concern for Area Residents

The recent rezoning application by developers interested in redeveloping the Peachtree Corners property currently occupied by the Sturbridge Square Apartments on Holcomb Bridge Road has created a lot of interest by its residents and the community at large.

The 21.3 acre site has caught the eye of Atlanta-based Bright-Meyers 2001 LC which filed plans and a rezoning request with the county for a 182,887 square-foot retail center complex including 880 parking spaces.

A proposed by the developer's attorney Lee Tucker, Jr. of Lawrenceville  and the developer, which was planned for last Thursday evening, was tabled when it came to light that what the developer was proposing was not in keeping with what the residents of this west Gwinnett County community has envisioned as part of its neighborhood.

Representatives from the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA) met with Bright-Meyers representatives prior to the scheduled meeting to review and discuss the developer's plans.

"They recognized that this is a very interested community," said Wayne Knox, VP of Land Use for UPCCA, one of the organization's representatives who met with the developer and attorney on Tuesday. And in the meeting the UPCCA representatives made it clear that the current proposal was not going to fly. "The proposal as filed is not acceptible," explained Knox.

The UPCCA proposed a mixed-use development which they feel is more in keeping with what the community needs and is more in line with the county's Unified 2030 Plan. The property is currently surrounded by commercial development and a further reason why a mix of residential property would be better suited for the area.

Also, at issue is the topography of the land that includes a floodplain and a creek. It is an issue that is also of great concern to some of the neighboring residents, since a creek runs behind the Sturbridge Square Apartments property.

Connie Weathers, chairperson of Sustainable Norcross, said expressed her concern about the environmental impact.  

She also said the request raised a red flag for her, just as a Norcross citizen. "It appears that I don't have a dog in this fight," she said. "But I'm actually closer to the [proposed development] than a lot of the high-end housing in Peachtree Corners," she said. 

Based on several concerns, including the floodplain located on the property, the Gwinnett County Department of Planning and Development Rezoning Analysis has recommended denying the current rezoning request from RM to C2. So it's back to the drawing board for the developer.

Attempts to contact the developer or attorney for their comments were not successful at press time. The property is currently owned by the 1500 Holcomb Bridge Assoc, LLC, located in Atlanta.

Matt Houser, a District 2 representative on the County Planning Commission, said, "In an ideal world, all rezoning would be in line with the comprehensive 2030 Plan. But it paints with a broad brush--individual rezoning can sometimes get down to the nitty gritty."

Late last week, Houser had not been updated on the status of this particular rezoning.   

As of today, the case is listed on the official meeting agenda, with the status "denied." The official denial made reference to the wetlands and 5.5-acres of floodplain on the property. "The applicant plans to cut and fill to alter the floodplain... The required 50-foot undisturbed stream buffer and 75-foot impervious setback are not shown on the site plan," the application of the meeting agenda states.