Eastpoint Council rejects rezoning proposal for 3380 Bachelor Street development

The East Point City Council held a work session on May 12, 2025, where they discussed a significant rezoning proposal for the property located at 3380 Bachelor Street. The meeting featured presentations from city planning officials and the applicant, Timothy Helms of Fuse Design Studio.

The proposal seeks to rezone the property from R1A, an urban residential zoning district, to RT, a residential townhouse district. This change includes a concurrent variance to reduce the minimum lot area requirement from 3,000 square feet to 2,148 square feet. The planning staff and the planning commission have recommended denial of this petition, citing that the proposed zoning does not align with the city’s comprehensive plan or the traditional urban neighborhood land use category, which aims to preserve the historic nature of single-family homes in the area.

Helms argued that the property, which currently houses a historic single-family home, is situated near Eagan Park and is surrounded by taller buildings, including a six-story hotel. He emphasized that the proposed development would enhance the neighborhood and provide a cohesive urban design. The applicant also expressed willingness to adjust the number of units proposed, suggesting they could reduce the plan from four units to three or two if necessary.

During the meeting, council members raised concerns about the impact of the proposed development on the neighborhood's character. Several residents attended the meeting, with a majority expressing opposition to the rezoning. The council noted that the comprehensive plan emphasizes the preservation of historic structures, which further complicates the proposal.

The council plans to hold a public hearing on the matter, where they will further evaluate the proposal and consider community feedback before making a final decision. The outcome of this discussion could have significant implications for the future development of the area and its adherence to the city's planning goals.