Request for More Apartments Around Coolray Hits Obstacle

During their Sept. 4 meeting, the Gwinnett County Planning Commission recommended denial for two separate request that would have altered the plan originally put in place for the area around the Gwinnett Braves stadium:

• CIC2011-00015 - Applicant requested a change in conditions for a 31.71-acre piece of property known as the Village at Gwinnett Stadium. The property is located in the 2400-2600 blocks of Buford Drive and surrounds the Gwinnett Braves stadium. The revised concept plan called for an increase in residential units from 312 units on 50.88 acres to 376 units on 31.71 acres. The applicant also requested that conditions be revised to allow the development of two 5-story mixed commercial/residential buildings previously shown as 4-story buildings. The planning department recommended approval with conditions. Planning commission recommendation - denial without prejudice by a vote of 9-0
• CIC2011-00017 - Applicant requested a change in conditions for a 19.21-acre piece of property located in the 2400 block of Buford Drive at its intersection with Old Peachtree Road. The applicant proposed altering the master plan in order to allow for the construction of residential, garden-style apartments on 13 acres with the 6 acres fronting Buford Drive to be developed as commercial/retail space. The planning department recommended approval with conditions. Planning commission recommendation - denial without prejudice by a vote of 8-1

Other Buford area cases on the Sept. 4 Gwinnett County Planning Commission agenda included:

• SUP2012-00058, RZR2012-00005 - Applicant requested a 5-acre piece of property in the 4800 block of Spout Springs Road be rezoned to RA-200 (agriculture-residence district) and a special use permit issued to allow the operation of a Montessori private school. The planning department recommended approval with conditions. Planning commission recommendation – approval with conditions by a vote of 9-0
• SUP2012-00054 - Applicant requested a special use permit renewal for a 1.01-acre piece of property located in the 2500 block of Doc Hughes Road for continued operation of a personal care home with a maximum of five residents. The planning department recommended approval with conditions. Planning commission recommendation - approval with conditions by a vote of 9-0
• CIC2012-00012 - Applicant requested a change in conditions for a 2.08-acre piece of property located in the 2900 block of Buford Drive to remove the condition that the property be integrated with a large automobile dealership that was not developed. The property is an outparcel of the Brandsmart development and is slated to be developed as a Pep Boys. The planning department recommended approval with conditions. Planning commission recommendation - approval with conditions

These cases will go before the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners for a final decision on Sept. 25, 2012.