Plans moving forward for 84-acre Asian Village Atlanta

<p>Organizers say plans are moving forward for an 84-acre Asian Village Atlanta in the Doraville area of Gwinnett County.</p><p>Construction is scheduled to begin this fall on the main feature of the development described as an Asian-influenced Epcot Center.</p><p>Attorney Michael Sullivans says the gardens will be the centerpiece of the project that will include a cultural center and shopping. He says the project will be under construction for several years before it is completed.</p><p>The land is near the DeKalb County line. It is near Buford Highway, which has a heavy Asian influence. Sullivan says the project likely will be divided into villages -- with areas for different aspects of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures.</p><p>The village is designed by Chinese-born architect Yong Pan and will have an expansive Chinese garden. China's government is helping to fund the project, which is still seeking investors.</p><p>Those behind the project say it will move forward despite a recommendation from planning commissioners Tuesday to deny a request to rezone more than 23 acres of the project for townhomes and villas and a change that would let more than seven acres be used as commercial space.</p><p>A planning commissioner who represents the area where the village is proposed -- Jose Perez -- says he has heard about the plans for some time but has yet to hear anything concrete.</p>