A plan for a small retail development that includes a fitness center on Dawsonville Highway has received unanimous approval from the Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board.
Board members approved a request from LLJ Development, LLC to rezone the 6.85-acre tract to General Business (GB). Planning Board Chairman Doug Carter recused himself from the proceedings, since his realty company is coordinating the sale of the property.
The tract adjacent to the Jackson EMC building once housed the New Horizons West nursing home; the building was demolished in 2013.
Scott Long, a project manager for the developer, says even though the Dawsonville Highway corridor is busy, this particular project won't increase traffic dramatically.
"The beauty of what this type of tenant does is that it really capitalizes on the traffic that's already there as opposed to generating additional traffic like a grocery store might," Long said.
City planning staff made some recommendations on traffic improvements that would have to be financed by the developer once the project is finalized.
Long did not reveal who the possible tenants for the property might be. In addition to the planned fitness center, there is space for a small retail/restaurant complex on the property.
No one showed up at Tuesday evening's board meeting to comment on the plan.
The rezoning request now goes before Gainesville City Council on September 18, 2018.
