A developer looking to build a large recreational and event center just east of Gainesville withdrew his application to the Hall County Commission this past week.
Sergio Felix was looking for a special use to allow him to build a venue that county officials said was intended to be a soccer complex on more than 50 acres on Burton Circle just off of Barrett Road. However, after several citizens expressed concerns and the Hall County Planning Commission recommended denial, Felix withdrew the request prior to its final vote on Thursday.
Hall County Planning Director Srikanth Yamala said Felix did not give county officials a reason for the withdrawal.
"The (county planning commission's) sentiments were regarding traffic and noise," Yamala said. "Also, Barrett Road, it's not wide enough to handle such anticipated traffic."
He said the initial plans were to build multiple full soccer fields as well as a 10,000 square-foot indoor soccer facility. He said officials were not aware of any specific plans by Felix to revisit the application in the future.
"I'm sure they are exploring other options, maybe a different property or, you know, they can always come back," Yamala said.
Several residents were at Thursday's commission meeting to speak against the application, but left after it was announced that it had been withdrawn.
