The Hall County Planning Commission voted unanimously Monday night to recommend a 58-acre rezoning, allowing for a housing complex south of Lanier Tech in Gainesville.
The Commission heard from Jonathan Collins, President of the Capstone Property Group, who seeks to adjust the current zoning of a portion of land at the end of Lanier Tech Drive. Currently, the road runs to a dead-end but that may change as Collins drew one step closer to approval. The development will host 370 units of multi-family housing, focusing on one and two-bedroom apartments. With the proximity to Lanier Tech, it is Collins’ hope they can provide ease of access and affordable housing to students.
“We've identified that there's a real need for residential housing in that area, both to support Lanier Tech and as well, the growing industrial corridor on 365,” Collins said.
During Collins’ presentation to the commission, he described the design process and emphasized the low density of units they expect on the property. The present density sits at 6.34 units per acre, allowing for open green spaces and untouched woodland areas throughout the development. Collins took special care to mention the edge buffer to surrounding neighbors.
There was only one resident who spoke in opposition to the rezoning. Chad Williamson addressed the commission during the public portion of the meeting, stating that he wasn’t necessarily against development in the area, only that he wanted to ensure everything was done with precision and care. Both the commission and Collins put his worries at ease.
Collins said he’s excited to satisfy the demand and offer residents something affordable.
“I think that with the demand for housing, certainly, both with for sale product and as well rental, you're seeing those prices have climbed significantly,” Collins said. “Rental rates are the highest they've ever been in Gainesville, Hall County. So the more product, the more supply that we can put on the ground, should help stabilize some of those rents. So there's certainly a lot of demand there. We're going to try to put together a product that, you know, we think a young family, young workforce individual could afford.”
Commission member Stan Hunt put forward the motion to pass the rezoning recommendation. He believes this project will provide a huge benefit to the surrounding community.
“It's needing housing for workforce, but especially for Lanier Tech,” Hunt said. “Lanier Tech is an asset to the community, and we need student housing. And that was the perfect location to place the student housing.”
Along with the one and two-bedroom apartments, the property plans to have a clubhouse, pool, outdoor firepits, walking trails and a dog park. Capstone Property Group’s submitted application says construction could begin late next year, completing in 2025.
The Hall County Board of Commissioners will have the final vote on the rezoning on December 8 at 6:00 p.m.
