[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6342027,"mediaKeyId","2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650","parentId",2255795,"title","Commission recommends Fulton Science Academy use of Westside office building for pre-K/elementary with traffic conditions","audioSeconds",5359,"startMs",3218000,"endMs",8577000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650&start=3218&end=8577","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650/thumbnail_3218000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6342027/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Commission-recommends-Fulton-Science-Academy-use-of-Westside-office-building-for-pre-Kelementary-with-traffic-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342027-9d05b36384b4df92a918669e5f0b3288/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146465&Signature=bSqj-W1GdfokyZuPHO738FfVhcmEBGk6FEaKyH8XPmOWXzlYvAqlHKAuni63gmX3sUEukjcNmk-oVMiURWZe6QjipvVJswvlwo4Vjj8ZYoDYUI~48w~eXHIiiTm~ZcyKpDvP15Y7JnTruH1RaM94DpPkGyFimXMDwJAX-1-Ct8P5JScoTY5eIgPnr1b4Aujq9Ak9JJPreY2V2iaAj6L4h3Ce2db0gh5y21J7rq2IX~nw7fCLnnMRMLTz9Dq~6rE6G4ijjiythIxlQ-w395~-DyOSg08~nBFi9k~zpnWsdq-DvrxkQ-wclDdbsjItqgUcQV~GFeviR14MgUJTP4m4Jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alpharettagov","date","2025-02-06T00:00:00Z","article","The Alpharetta Planning Commission on Feb. 6 recommended approval of a master plan amendment and conditional use that would allow Fulton Science Academy to reuse an existing two‑story office building at 8995 Westside Parkway for pre‑K and elementary education, in a phased plan that limits enrollment to 300 students initially and up to 600 once the second-floor tenant vacates.

Staff presented the proposal as a phased reuse: the existing second‑floor professional tenant would remain through an interim period (the applicant indicated the tenant will remain until about Feb. 19, 2028), allowing the school to occupy the first floor for an initial enrollment of roughly 300. When the second floor becomes available, the school would expand and increase enrollment to a maximum of 600 students. Planning staff tied the conditional use to a site plan with play areas, circulation for pickup and drop-off, and a list of eco‑district measures the applicant committed to pursue.

Michael, the planning presenter, said the site plan removes 13 parking spots on the north side of the building to create a play area and retains an existing pond at the rear; the applicant measured available parking at 197 spaces, which staff said is sufficient for the proposed phased uses. He added that the applicant’s circulation plan includes about 59 entering stacking positions inside the lot and that staff required at least 200 feet of exiting stacking distance to the signalized intersection; the applicant’s plan was revised on the record to accommodate that distance. “Pick up and drop off location shall be adjusted to provide a minimum 200 feet of exiting stacking distance as approved by staff,” Michael said when summarizing recommended conditions.

The commission’s conditions require a final approved pickup/drop‑off circulation plan, on‑site traffic‑control measures (including personnel during peak hours and temporary traffic-control devices), wayfinding signage, and a staff‑monitored remedy clause: if traffic problems arise the school must implement corrective measures that could include staged arrival/dismissal times, deploying law enforcement, or modifying signal timing. Conditions also tie the school to a set of eco‑district measures the applicant described, require screening of play areas from the public right of way, and ask the property owner to attempt to preserve trees in the areas labeled play area.

Jim Weiner of Make3 Architecture and the Fulton Science Academy team said the school will separate the remaining second‑floor tenant’s access from student circulation and that the school operates efficient, staffed drop‑off procedures. “The tenant has agreed to enter the building on the south end. They won't be going through the front door, and there'll be a separation,” Weiner said. The school’s traffic consultant and the city traffic engineer discussed queuing and exit behavior; the school’s traffic expert said internal variables — how many students are unloaded at once, the use of volunteers and staged schedules — determine queue length and that the plan provides a second driveway that can serve as a “release valve” during peak times.

The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval with a set of 16 conditions, accepting applicants’ minor wording edits to several conditions to allow modest flexibility on schedules and clarify square footage. The motion passed unanimously; the recommendation goes to City Council for final action on Feb. 24.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Alpharetta Planning Commission Meeting - February 6,2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Alpharetta Planning Commission on Feb. 6 recommended approval of a master plan amendment and conditional use that would allow Fulton Science Academy to reuse an existing two‑story office building at 8995 Westside Parkway for pre‑K and elementary education, in a phased plan capped at 600 students.","taxTitle","Alpharetta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",3991,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6342032,"Commission backs Mayfair at Haines Bridge rezoning and conditions, including AlphaLoop connection and underground stormwater",2428,2682000,5110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650&start=2682&end=5110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650/thumbnail_2682000.jpg","/articles/6342032/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Commission-backs-Mayfair-at-Haines-Bridge-rezoning-and-conditions-including-AlphaLoop-connection-and-underground-stormwater","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342032-bd0b9260c7f71a15d201aa630bad5985/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146465&Signature=YkCYYQJlIjXviviAeAd1u~FC2xbls28XwOaJ4bq077Qj9mPlM~KTR5JwmNPGNmNfMAH654WymFyfwEzhAJ91OhSsrU1lX8evxm9WrqVIh83CSUZeTyCp5OG7vslNPwsdn0uogQdQyDC0Ef5VNOClJRFs~iNWXcQnG8BUXIAfJMWSMWpUnFaB5PAvbGFAZQBudA9JqjMX5E80V7WMm2z4LO6adUEEur7WpIJuA-sVgCHnlIqkkHwIvAjE2G9N~1hfgYzZoe1vAK~RtL-0Ze-6g3GPxfaw9QaIwR8T8zFs03UXkBzUpKyX26X56uvjW05KZR37PJlLqEqRDkiKNeXrhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alpharetta Planning Commission on Feb. 6 recommended approval of a package of land‑use changes to allow a second phase of residential development at Mayfair at Haines Bridge, expanding an earlier-approved phase to a combined total of 27 single‑family detached homes.

Staff and the applicant described the request as a master plan amendment, rezoning from Office/Institutional to Downtown Residential (DTR), and changes to conditions of zoning so phase 2 (approximately 1.5 acres) can be developed with 10 single‑family lots. The revised total for the overall development, combining phase 1 and phase 2, would be 27 for‑sale detached homes on lots ranging from about 4,500 to 5,500 square feet.

Michael (planning staff) said the proposal includes underground stormwater facilities, tree‑save areas and a new segment of the AlphaLoop pedestrian route along Haines Bridge Road that would connect to adjacent developments. “One thing I did fail to mention and it's a pretty important point, is this developer would implement the AlphaLoop along Haines Bridge,” Michael said, explaining the project would link to an existing and planned pedestrian network.

Phase 1 previously was approved in 2021 for mixed product types; the applicant revised phase 1 to all detached homes and reduced the number of phase‑1 units from 19 to 17. Phase 2 adds 10 detached lots, producing a combined 27 homes. Six guest parking spaces are proposed in the common area; project designers say the development meets or exceeds the downtown code parking requirement (developer said the project exceeds minimum required parking by roughly 14 spaces). The applicant also proposes 11% amenity space, a decorative entrance apron with concrete banding (pavers set back from the public right of way), front-yard decorative walls and hedges, and HOA maintenance for common features.

The commission reviewed 26 conditions of approval that carry forward and replace prior phase‑1 conditions. Among them: limits on density and unit type (for‑sale single‑family detached only); a minimum 20‑foot planted buffer along the south property line and a 10‑foot planted buffer adjacent to existing Alpha Park lots; a required decorative corner focal feature approved by the Cultural Arts Commission; underground stormwater with HOA maintenance responsibility; preservation of good‑condition trees within buffers where feasible; decorative fences and walls visible from the public right of way; a cap allowing no more than 10% of residential units to be rented; and a requirement that front yards be framed with low decorative walls, metal fencing and hedges.

Applicant civil engineer Barry Dunlop explained that the underground detention trenches and associated maintenance strips could overlap buffer areas in places and recommended additional wording so trees in the buffer would be saved unless removal is necessary to construct the underground detention facility and that the HOA would replace landscaping damaged by maintenance access. “Our goal is to keep any good trees that are inside that buffer. But there might be 1 or 2 in there that could come in conflict with the actual construction of the underground system,” Dunlop said.

Staff accepted the applicant’s requested clarifications to condition wording for tree preservation and to add language allowing a detention-facility maintenance easement to extend into the landscape buffer, with HOA responsibility to replace any vegetation disturbed by maintenance. A commissioner moved to approve the comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning and related changes (CLUP-24-05 / Z-24-17 / PH-24-20 / related conditions) with the applicant’s wording edits to conditions 7 and 20 and the other conditions as presented; the motion passed unanimously. The item is scheduled for City Council review on Feb. 24.

The approval ties the zoning to a site plan, a palette of architectural renderings, buffer and tree‑save commitments, and a series of design and maintenance controls intended to preserve character adjacent to existing homes in Alpha Park and to provide pedestrian connections through the AlphaLoop.","The Alpharetta Planning Commission on Feb. 6 recommended approval of zoning and plan changes to allow a second phase of Mayfair at Haines Bridge, adding 10 single‑family homes and producing a combined total of 27 detached homes across phases 1 and 2.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6342037,"Commission recommends Lotus Animal Hospital at Windward Square; limits boarding and mobile equipment visibility",658,1966000,2624000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650&start=1966&end=2624","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650/thumbnail_1966000.jpg","/articles/6342037/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Commission-recommends-Lotus-Animal-Hospital-at-Windward-Square-limits-boarding-and-mobile-equipment-visibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342037-9ef119e537658fcbb1e70d0f89aa5a9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146465&Signature=MXsDRa1VMuxPmDOeVqJTIyAnGy2IW3vRtpdVswPAZyJSYZFZCeGPoQd~tbbRfgHsLn6vb~~nl96Iej7-fP9S3rVi702buLmYYI6aFIbQmx9XLggYXXpRYc~klReLh3HhP0mJm8E~0aMK-gfj8xal6QXkqXn2VYhwkvGnWk8-WLURMIzyH44dOXwNSNB1yih0muHdHdWJIKVGq-DSBZ9ncxSYufmoAHEczJA7d9dnChE2okqeP2qLSWV667xjzEavNwaDEtB4t9LXw4iFaX5qRzQNj6Qkltaje-sQJKP3qc441oIBqoHDRE1eY6o7fhY9tygzeufv5XxLEb7z0wzy3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alpharetta Planning Commission voted Feb. 6 to recommend approval of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow Lotus Animal Hospital, a small-animal veterinary practice, to occupy a 2,761-square-foot suite at 5215 Windward Parkway (Windward Square Shopping Center).

Staff described the proposal as a “boutique veterinary clinic” limited to small animals, with no regular boarding and only short-term post-operative observation allowed. The commission attached eight conditions including hours, a pet-relief area, noise attenuation measures and a restriction that mobile diagnostic units not be visible from the public right of way.

Michael (planning staff) told commissioners the site is zoned Office/Institutional and has a commercial future land-use designation that supports adding “animal hospital, small animal” to the Oxford Green Master Plan tract A. He said the shopping center already houses complementary uses and that the nearest animal hospital is about 2,000 feet to the north. “Conditional use approval shall be limited to Lotus Animal Hospital. No additional animal hospital, small animal businesses or subleasing shall be permitted within the approved space,” Michael said while summarizing staff’s recommended conditions.

Applicant Alyssa Stevens appeared for Lotus and described the practice as a full-service clinic intended to provide surgery and in-house diagnostics rather than boarding. “To me, the differentiating factor is the level of services that are provided,” Stevens said, contrasting a clinic with a hospital; she said the proposed operation will include surgery and x-ray capability but will not keep pets overnight as a boarding service except when under immediate observation after treatment.

Staff’s eight conditions include limiting the use to Lotus Animal Hospital at the listed address and suite, capping the suite size at 2,761 square feet, setting hours of operation at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., confining any overnight stays to short-term observation incidental to hospital use, requiring a pet waste station in the pet-relief area, requiring noise attenuation measures inside the suite, and requiring that mobile diagnostic resources such as a mobile MRI or x-ray be screened so they are not visible from Windward Parkway.

A motion to approve the master plan amendment and conditional use (MP-25-02 / CU-25-02) carried unanimously; the Planning Commission will forward the recommendation to City Council for final action on Feb. 24.","The Planning Commission recommended approval of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow Lotus Animal Hospital, a small-animal veterinary clinic, at 5215 Windward Parkway, with conditions limiting boarding, restricting visibility of mobile MRI/x-ray units, and setting hours of operation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6342042,"Planning panel backs Activate Games at Windward Plaza with conditions on art and dumpster gates",1521,426000,1947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650&start=426&end=1947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255795-453632b274c4aabcb2cf68d0b8598650/thumbnail_426000.jpg","/articles/6342042/Alpharetta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Planning-panel-backs-Activate-Games-at-Windward-Plaza-with-conditions-on-art-and-dumpster-gates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342042-d51e2cb6d782b73eef2ba8d2958271f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146465&Signature=gCsTPybQGmWXpOe0cRgD9gaEHlZyL79G0OjZOtMa~sgge-iFbY1Q9riZB8Q9yo7Fabcdq3pbeeGjFkY86B562SOmAp~gu82~cbZws9rFjXh-VYcQbkZ1UQVU6GBZqefnmXbrdIjba675xG5vXziEF2wOOaLYPYQsVOLumwSu8BfC~naKr7pjNwjWTVOn8LXfc0gMSpOgGG4Oq2oO69rIxPa~NboTbNG2iD87Ky6lK6VEcqbVvtauxmFwcqKvvwMaEmJo6Yoqh5I1-1AZ1TBP~c~ZiDLvF7l5mbN5Z9kB2zBlZsWEWixA~RKL~fmQefrLGcXAuFJUceamphhR-HO4BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Activate Games Alpharetta won the Planning Commission's recommendation to city council on Feb. 6, when commissioners approved a conditional use to convert a vacant 10,965-square-foot former CVS at 3020 Windward Plaza into an indoor active entertainment gaming facility.

The recommendation, presented by city planner Kathy Cook, limits the approved use to Activate Games and includes conditions on hours, landscaping, waste enclosures and a public-art requirement. The motion to approve included a modification allowing painted wood gates for the dumpster enclosure, rather than the metal gates originally proposed by staff.

Cook told commissioners the property is in the Windward Master Plan area and that the site’s commercial land-use designation supports the proposed use. She said staff included conditions drawn from the 2024 Windward LCI update and an Urban Land Institute report, including a recommendation for native meadow grasses along the street and an art installation in the Windward Terraces area. “A sculpture with a minimum height of 10 feet shall be required along Windward Parkway with final approval by the Cultural Arts Commission,” Cook said, noting the property owner, Seelig Enterprises, had offered to coordinate a mural or other center-wide public art program.

Chase Torgerson, representing Activate Games, described the concept as an “interactive gaming facility” that blends elements of fitness and group games. “We are asking, obviously, for number 9 to be amended so that we can use wooden gates to be repaired and painted and to look nice again,” he told the commission, referring to staff condition language about the dumpster enclosure.

Staff recommended a set of conditions that: limit the conditional use to a single tenant and a maximum of 10,965 square feet; restrict the allowed activities to indoor active entertainment gaming; set hours of operation; require cleanup and improved landscaping around the site and detention pond; require replacement or repair of retaining walls and fencing; require removal and replacement of shrubs at monument signs; and require a public-art installation along Windward Parkway. Staff also recommended replacing the existing wooden dumpster gate with decorative metal gates. The applicant and staff agreed during the meeting that painted and maintained wooden gates could be acceptable if staff approved the final repair or replacement.

Commissioners asked about parking compliance, handicap-access spaces and whether the building’s existing drive-through would remain; staff said parking requirements are met and the drive-through would remain in place. Commissioners also discussed maintenance and possible enforcement language for the gate condition. One commissioner moved to approve the conditional use (CU-25-06) with staff’s conditions except that item 9 be amended to allow repaired or replaced painted wood gates as approved by staff, and to remove condition 11 because the property owner would coordinate art for the center; another commissioner seconded. The motion carried unanimously. The Planning Commission will forward the recommendation to the City Council for final action on Feb. 24.

The vote was procedural: the commission recommended approval and documented conditions that will govern building permits and inspections, and staff will verify compliance when the applicant applies for interior permits and any exterior work.","The Alpharetta Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use to convert a vacant 10,965-square-foot former CVS at 3020 Windward Plaza into Activate Games Alpharetta, subject to landscaping, artwork and maintenance conditions and a modification allowing painted wood dumpster gates instead of metal.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission recommends Fulton Science Academy use of Westside office building for pre-K/elementary with traffic conditions

Commission backs Mayfair at Haines Bridge rezoning and conditions, including AlphaLoop connection and underground stormwater

Commission recommends Lotus Animal Hospital at Windward Square; limits boarding and mobile equipment visibility

Planning panel backs Activate Games at Windward Plaza with conditions on art and dumpster gates