A Marietta developer seeking to build a 214-unit apartment complex on Queen City Parkway in Gainesville has crossed one hurdle with the Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board.
The board unanimously approved a rezoning request from McNeal Development. LLC for a 4.86-acre tract of land located between Queen City Parkway, Banks Street and Gordon Avenue. The approval came with seven conditions, including the completion of a traffic impact study for the area should the Gainesville Public Works Department and the Georgia Department of Transportation deem it necessary.
William Norris, speaking after the vote on behalf of the developer, said his company found Gainesville to be a desirable area for the project.
"The city's done a great job investing in the public infrastructure," Norris said. "As you see more and more job opportunities come to the 985 corridor - Gainesville in particular - you're going to see a demand for a variety of housing."
Norris said Gainesville Midland - as it will be known - will fill a niche for young professionals who will be moving to the area to fill jobs in growing industries, such as healthcare.
"What we're proposing is really for the renter-by-choice as opposed to someone that is maybe forced to rent," Norris said. "The typical demographic that you would see in our community is someone that works in a professional setting and has a disposable income and has chosen to rent as oppose to buy."
Norris said renters will have pedestrian access to the Midtown Greenway, and he said that feature especially will be attractive to city dwellers.
Documents presented to the Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board indicate the project will consist of three buildings, four and five stories in height. The 214 units will be a combination of studio apartments as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments. Amenities would include include a rooftop clubroom, business center, coffee bar, fitness center, resort style pool and a pet spa among other features.
Gainesville City Council must vote on the rezoning request prior to plans moving forward. That vote is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2021. Norris declined to speculate on a timeline for construction should council members approve the rezoning request.
