The Flowery Branch City Council gave first reading approval to a rezoning that would allow for a development expected to feature more than 300 apartment units near I-985 at its meeting Thursday night.
The developers of the project, The Residential Group, are looking to rezone just over 25 acres of land that encompasses both sides of Phil Neikro Boulevard just west of the interstate, but are only looking to build on the roughly 13 acres that sit on the south side of the road. The other parcels on the north side of Phil Neikro Boulevard are expected to be sold by the property's current owner for potential restaurant and business development.
Two residents spoke in opposition to the rezoning, with both saying they were worried about the complex overloading area roads and schools.
"I moved out to Hall County for a reason. I lived in Gwinnett County my entire life. They overbuilt," Resident Robert Byrd said. "I taught in Lawrenceville, grew up in the Dacula-Lawrenceville area and every time an apartment complex goes in, the area around it goes down."
Anglin and Mayor Mike Miller disagreed, saying that they were convinced by The Residential Group's other work in places like Duluth and Canton that the complex would be high-quality.
"I rode out and looked at one of the developments that they have, that they had showed up pictures of," Anglin said after the meeting. "It made the pictures look like they were second-rate. I thought the pictures were pretty impressive, so when I went out there and looked at the place, I was just stunned at the quality."
Anglin said the developers had been discussing the project with city officials for much of the 2018 calender year. He responded to Byrd during the meeting saying he had similar experiences with apartment complexes in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties, but believed that the proposed development would not be similar to those.
Representatives with The Residential Group said that, if approved, the complex would take up to two years to be finished, but residents could move in to the first building within a year of construction starting. They said the apartment units are expected to cost between $900 and $1,400 per month.
The first reading for the rezoning was approved unanimously. A second public hearing will be held before the council gives the request a final vote.
