The building of rental townhomes, duplexes, apartments and/or subdivisions is a major concern for local residents. We feel that this development will negatively impact our community by lowering our home values, overcrowding our already full schools systems and compromise safety in this high traffic area. We would like to see this land developed in a way that would benefit and add value to our community.

The County changed the zoning Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from 100% commercial to Mixed Use of commercial and multifamily residential just 45 days prior to the developer approval to build 90 townhouses for property located at 5855-5905 E Lake Pkwy and 38 Oak Valley Rd (across from Kroger).

Information provided in the rezoning evaluation report states that the 90 units will add an estimated 180 students to East Lake Elementary, Union Grove Middle & High Schools, which could cost as much as $1.7 million dollars.  The developer is proposing 3 bedroom townhouses for sell to young professionals and empty nesters with no children.  There will be additional parking to include special guest parking.  The complex will have a little green space for walking the dogs.  The developer cannot legally limit the development to only those two groups.

What will prevent the developer from selling these units to investors for rentals?  How will the County’s infrastructure in this location support the public safety issues like crime and traffic accidents?  

It appears crime is spreading rapidly throughout the County.  Here are some of the crime areas with rental properties that you may know about: City Square SD, McDonough; Avalon area I-75, Hwy 20; Hamilton Point SD, McDonough; Apartments at Hwy 42 and E Lake Pkwy

Has the County considered that the property and sales tax revenues, business license fees, and impact fees from a commercial development will far exceed the revenues from high-density housing? Additionally, commercial development requires a minimal amount of public safety services, unlike a high demand residential development. The county is already struggling to fill many vacancies in the police and fire departments. These townhomes will place an additional burden on public safety services, and deprive current citizens, who have invested in this county for years, from receiving the timely and quality services they deserve.

We respectfully request that you hear our voices and make decisions that will better our community with quality of life issues (Noise, Traffic, Congestion, Safety ,Crime and Green Space) now and in the future. The currently proposed development will negatively impact our area for generations to come.