Glenn West Wins Approval From Sandy Springs Leaders

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The Sandy Springs Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a request to build another set of residential homes along Glenridge Drive.

Council members voted to approve a request from Ashton Woods and Mount Vernon Presbyterian School to rezone roughly 36.6 acres from R-2 (residential) to CUP (community unit plan) district to build 49 detached single-family homes, 50 townhouses, an amenity area and recreation fields.

The property is located at 6450 and 6500 Glenridge Drive, and is owned by Louise Rand Glen and Glenridge Land Holdings, LLP.

The fields would be owned and maintained by the school, and pedestrian paths will connect the fields to the amenity area and residential streets.

According to city staff, agreements between the school and the future homeowners association stipulate the fields associated with the school will be available for use by residents, the retention pond in the residential area will be available to the school for educational purposes and the school staff and board will have the right to use the clubhouse and pool.

Mike Busher, senior vice president of acquisitions at Ashton Woods, said his company worked closely with residents representing the adjoining neighborhoods to come up with a plan that would work for all citizens affected by the proposal.

Brett Jacobson, head of school at Mount Vernon Presbyterian, said his institution has a 45-year history of serving the community, 10 of which have taken place on the Glenn campus.

With the property owners making the decision to sell their land, Jacobson said it “was a great time for us to be able to add to that footprint.”

• RELATED: Sandy Springs Leaders Approve Ashton Woods Project

Matt LaMarsh, one of the residents who worked directly with Ashton Woods and the school on the project, added he believed it’s going to be a “fantastic project.”

“You wanted us to come in with project that everyone would support, and it’s here,” he told the council.

Fellow resident Brad Gold also called for the community to remain un-gated, which he said would make the area more pedestrian friendly and promote a sense of community among its future residents.

Busher said the company was willing to concede to the request, adding he didn’t want to see this one sticking point derail the project from moving forward.

Councilman Gabriel Sterling, whose district houses the land for the proposed project, also commended the residents and developers for working together to come up with something everyone could live with.

Councilman Ken Dishman agreed, stating the final result following months of meetings and compromises ”is an outstanding outcome.”

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