Planning staff OKs variance requested by shopping center developers

GAINESVILLE - A request by the developers of a new shopping center on Gainesville's west side to vary the stream protection buffer requirement has been okayed by the city planning staff. Also getting a "thumbs up" recommendation are plans for an auto repair shop on McEver Road across from Free Chapel.

Both requests and the recommendations are to be considered by the Gainesville Planning & Appeals Board Tuesday. The board meets at 5:30 at the Gainesville Justice Center on Queen City Parkway.

As we reported a week ago, America's Homeplace, the developers of the Dawsonville Highway shopping center, say the variance is needed because of the topography of their property and drainage from other properties. (See earlier story. Link below.)

Over strong objections from residents of Lakeshore Heights subdivision, which backs up to the shopping center property, America's Homeplace has already won approval for the complex from the city council.

The recommendation for approval of the auto repair shop on McEver - where a vacant car wash is now located - comes with some conditions. They include not storing vehicles on the site which are to be used for parts, situating the building perpendicular to McEver (unless special permission is granted) and not using the facility for paint and body work. The existing building is to be torn down.