Apartment complex on Pearl Nix Pkwy. gets approval from planning board

GAINESVILLE - A new apartment complex for the Pearl Nix Parkway area in Gainesville is one step closer to reality after a vote Tuesday night by the Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board.

Swann Drive Villas will consist of 26 town home-style apartment units. The approval of the project required board members to consider not only a rezoning request, but also requests for annexation and abandonment of a cul-de-sac on Swann Drive. All aspects of the proposal received unanimous approval.

"We believe that the redevelopment of that property, the connection to Pearl Nix Parkway, the pedestrian connection, will enhance that [area]," said City Planning Manager Matt Tate. "There will be new landscaping. I think it will be aesthetically a nice project."

Currently there are four mobile homes sitting on the property, according to Tate.

The proposal project now goes before Gainesville City Council for consideration.

Plan for assisted living facility tabled until June

Planning Manager Matt Tate asked Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board members to table a request from Beehive Homes of Gainesville to rezone a two acre tract of land on South Enota Drive for an assisted living facility.

Tate indicated that advertisements calling for the rezoning of the property needed to be corrected.

The board approved the request and will hear the proposal at its June 10 meeting.