The developers of a planned subdivision near downtown Flowery Branch that was originally approved in 2006 are changing the layout plans for the neighborhood and finally beginning development.
The Flowery Branch City Council Thursday gave unanimous approval to a first reading for the changes, which would increase the number of lots in the development from 270 single-family lots to 325 and remove a planned townhome section of the neighborhood. The development sits on a 109-acre tract of land between McEver Road, Lights Ferry Road and Gainesville Street that city officials have referred to as "the Connor property".
Harvey Gee, who spoke on behalf of the subdivision's developers, spoke to the council saying that the new plans also introduced several amenities including two pools, a two story clubhouse and tentative plans for a sidewalk that would connect with existing sidewalks in the city to give residents in the neighborhood access by foot to the nearby marina. He also said the developers would look to clean the small lake on the property and look to make it a future focal point of the neighborhood.
Some residents spoke at the meeting, saying they were unhappy with the development's revival.
"You're talking about 900 vehicles a week coming down Gainesville Street," resident Christine Whorl said. "Now, with just existing traffic we have, the traffic is backed up all the way around the roundabout (at the intersection of Lights Ferry Road and Mitchell Street)."
Others said they had concerns about the environmental health of the land, but Gee said due diligence had been done to make sure the land was clean enough for use.
"A full phase one environmental site assessment was done on the property, it's completely clear," Gee said.
The plan changes will need a second reading approval from the council. That second reading is set to be held at the council's April 19 meeting.
Final meeting in the current City Hall
The Thursday meeting was the final one for the Flowery Branch City Council in the current City Hall building on Main Street. Starting in April, the council's meetings will be held in the new City Hall that has now been completed a block away.
City Manager Bill Andrew said earlier in the week that city staff has been moving equipment from the old building to the new one. The council's next meeting will be on April 19. A previously schedule meeting for April 5 was canceled.
