[{"_1":2,"_108":-5,"_109":-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",[32,73,84,96],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},"mediaId",6232417,"mediaKeyId","3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9","parentId",3426148,"title","Planning staff announces retirement of long‑time employee Jeff Holmes","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1100000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9&start=1100&end=1100","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9/thumbnail_1100000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6232417/Cumming/Forsyth-County/Georgia/Planning-staff-announces-retirement-of-longtime-employee-Jeff-Holmes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232417-0f430061097af82467d57f711a979bed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771111213&Signature=EHLDjEmGgz0YvbzC3X92KPfaPXZEqcvCDT-Mei1YOxtB-z77cC2qd8NnbQIwQpLiYhKKEhVLFkcEP2NUk5Ac8UXDPWkAJyQzwqf8GfLMC~2Z1Itdn2EyB61YqbUOgZPINohK7gSfZcSycsHt80HZncT1wCOc~Nl3CI0zpw4cP~t0PzvhGrU165LDoR0NHF0XOKp0dU4m2sgEEzzl6zqVhPZpFHOhps0Z1EVtCBoKuRQOvvGQrfU4Ia41HcY73lGF6uPKS7759PfUwOigVbm2Cn-zvbzRpKEQ4xhiCqphvP0pc9YNVW0z1UECjF2Vcsa-v4Y-0yCvR0ys7qNxGkQp-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-21T12:45:16Z","article","Commissioners on Tuesday publicly recognized the retirement of Jeff Holmes, who the chair said has served with the department for about 45 years.

The chair thanked Holmes for his long service. “You were here when it wasn’t anything. So you’ve done a great job,” the chair said. The transcript records colleagues welcoming a new staff member (Lisonbee Smith / Keith Place referenced) and thanking Holmes for his work.

The record contains no formal personnel action or vote; the item was an announcement and public expression of thanks. Planning staff indicated a recommendation to get the planning and zoning department “started” with next steps, and commissioners welcomed the new staff who have been with the department for several months.

No further administrative details, effective retirement date, or succession plan were recorded in the hearing transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/20/2025 City of Cumming Planning and Zoning Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners recognized the retirement of Jeff Holmes after about 45 years with the department and noted staff transitions; the commission offered thanks and announced staffing follow-up.","taxTitle","Cumming, Forsyth County, Georgia","taxId",52015,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":74,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":75,"_41":76,"_43":77,"_45":44,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6232421,"Commission opens hearing and postpones rezoning request for Sharon Road Development LLC to a PUD",380,720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9&start=720&end=1100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9/thumbnail_720000.jpg","/articles/6232421/Cumming/Forsyth-County/Georgia/Commission-opens-hearing-and-postpones-rezoning-request-for-Sharon-Road-Development-LLC-to-a-PUD","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232421-84e0c9f0242a64c6224f0715a1705234/orig.mp4?Expires=1771111213&Signature=TzlxYFD0s6aV8vsoGmdi204EI3XLBLgXTP4TGaVj3TUe6GWqaGNZDBZKeyPBpFdUhwdaBD3gRR1vTAMnlEYvRaDPiAMeh5X6I-jL2kQ-sGfONbqOOtVThzvS3T5dcE25YP4E5F0A6FDg5iMIAML-qe7r~K99wKt~gpwigrtR6ICMVtSHoX9KyRxNMsezLRDx5WZsLZ7NLW7mcKqnDrazu9CoVV2Rz~06Ffe6Rhk8KwPYo2vCi2ecfOccZTi-ktNjIv29NtOKCX7Rs2pvYj1ij~rjqvKw~bC6bbMx26cKMIDKHI-BfmVWxFpK2Vz60kVXrkOBzZhNPdo94QHN4gbS8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning and Zoning Commission opened public comment Tuesday on a request to rezone approximately 6.4 acres on Dahlonega and Elm streets to a planned unit development and then postponed the matter to the June meeting to allow more information and neighborhood input.

The applicant, represented by Sean Courtney of Lipscomb Johnson, described a proposal with two commercial buildings totaling about 18,200 square feet, three‑story buildings with 16 condominiums above (four units per floor), and a roundabout feature at the entrance as a focal point. “This property consists of approximately 6.477 acres,” Courtney said in his presentation.

Ricky Bridal, representing the ownership group, said the project team has been talking with neighbors and intends to use brick and compatible architectural details. Chuck Rosenblum, speaking for a property owner identified as Mrs. Brooks, said the owner supports the project because the property has been difficult to sell and is in financial hardship.

Planning staff reported the rezoning application covers four parcels and part of a fifth totaling “about 6.408 acres, more or less” and said the applicant is still providing additional information; staff did not offer a recommendation at the hearing. The chair and applicant agreed to hold additional meetings between staff, the applicant and neighbors; the item was postponed to the commission’s June meeting to continue that process. The transcript recorded the postponement motion as carried; no roll‑call vote was captured.

Commissioners noted the application will require additional meetings, potential conditions on setbacks and design, and input from neighbors and property owners before a final recommendation and possible council consideration. No rezoning decision was made at the meeting.","A request to rezone roughly 6.4 acres on Dahlonega and Elm streets to a planned unit development (PUD) for a mixed‑use project (commercial buildings with condos) was opened for public comment and postponed so applicants, neighbors and staff can refine plans; staff provided no recommendation at this meeting.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":87,"_43":88,"_45":89,"_46":90,"_48":91,"_50":92,"_52":93,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":94,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":95,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6232429,"Commission postpones conditional‑use permit for used-car brokerage at 334 Dahlonega Street",280,420000,700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9&start=420&end=700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9/thumbnail_420000.jpg","/articles/6232429/Cumming/Forsyth-County/Georgia/Commission-postpones-conditionaluse-permit-for-used-car-brokerage-at-334-Dahlonega-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232429-1a9cf1cf5b35fd497e001fd50e129d12/orig.mp4?Expires=1771111213&Signature=PRlzeF~-tyX0-RlcGMDHXIG2a~dTzWPwLuXkqEcUfIVZZPobc4Hl3MEM6lIzpBDjux302O4fp3JeSuqPcMUMtfBJEjNu5zfpG5cvy6znsHG2CjLSR82dR3U8plPtIluuhhjCePur6515KABKyNTHvVpkakunXip1in~3pn77XSYsVBzMwFo2TTMpGNd5VSLWZ9KM6xIs1xf7LGp4gdvDAT5zQwkNMdurvT2ZDc5yU823LH5gtVEshc7rQkly0-ibEQ6KZ6gvHB1pLyVjowFWsUg0S2swjEVjelIDfu856WWHm~tTE1GfxjttUEfr45aAxgi1iuiPVrQ87pDU4skx6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday postponed action on a conditional‑use permit to allow a used‑automobile sales and brokerage business at 334 Dahlonega Street to the June 17 meeting.

Applicant representative Jared Sample said the owner seeks approval to operate a high‑end used‑car brokerage at the address and asked if the commission could review submitted materials quickly because of an anticipated closing in August. “We’re seeking approval for the committee to allow for that at that particular location,” Sample said.

Planning staff told the commission that the property is zoned Highway Business, where used vehicle sales are conditionally allowed, and outlined information the applicant must provide before staff can make a recommendation: a site plan showing off‑street storage and parking counts, signage plans compatible with surrounding businesses, proposed business hours, the number of vehicles proposed for display along Dahlonega Street while preserving an unencumbered loading/unloading zone, a landscape plan approved by the design review committee, and screening from adjacent businesses.

Sample asked whether the applicant could supply the additional materials quickly because of a contract closing in August and offered to provide information “within the next 28 hours” for commission review; the commission’s chair deferred to staff and postponed the item to the June 17 meeting to allow time to submit and review the requested documentation. The transcript did not record a formal vote tally; the motion to postpone was recorded as carried.

No final decision on the conditional‑use permit was made. Planning staff said it will provide a recommendation to the commission after the applicant submits the required materials and staff review is complete. If materials are submitted early, staff indicated it would attempt to review them before the June meeting and re‑place the item on the agenda if appropriate.","A conditional‑use permit request to operate an automotive brokerage selling high‑end used cars at 334 Dahlonega Street was postponed to the commission’s June 17 meeting after staff said the applicant must provide a site plan, signage, operating hours, vehicle-count details and landscaping/screening plans.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":99,"_43":100,"_45":101,"_46":102,"_48":103,"_50":104,"_52":105,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":106,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":107,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6232433,"Planning commission approves stream-buffer variance for VMB Residential LLC mixed-use pad",405,4150,410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9&start=4&end=410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426148-12147bfebf94e30cade87f00f168ffb9/thumbnail_4150.jpg","/articles/6232433/Cumming/Forsyth-County/Georgia/Planning-commission-approves-stream-buffer-variance-for-VMB-Residential-LLC-mixed-use-pad","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232433-8031a03df379b8f58ebaafeb36def91b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771111213&Signature=eyqmxi3srjEBWpNwGCBYFC0j3lf5mv3ILJkGOFhCrwA26oCsNEPYMek2uqLyJ-S1eYY4QBGPQ~iAP7Td3iIsWl5j2tBhTV7Tm7eME2u3XuL2nynuGuu6d9COcbXHA5GEGR1Wik0MInrQvjd25yugfr3fI8h3N8c1MSQDukEA7LvxBsHysu~FNql3vvRQMxGIqdwaRZrMQbLKaMSRVYC4p0dg2dTcVwXhN-OxFUwLOmrFpei63bITaNvha971R-86EvsHp4ncSYed~~QsXVVNWVJCnlaV4unJbdoM2bKkuqAWroj6FROTfNvWUJFQZdgasW-E1ysiZjMJX7o739o8mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Cumming Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved a variance allowing portions of a 2.13-acre commercial parcel in a larger mixed‑use development to encroach into city-designated stream buffers.

The variance affects buffer areas established by the city (described in the hearing as a 50-foot “undisturbed” buffer and a 75-foot no-impervious-surface buffer). The commission approved the request after a staff recommendation that included a condition requiring the Department of Planning and Zoning to determine and require landscape replanting within the disturbed areas before project completion.

Kenneth Wood, the agent representing the applicant, described the parcel as the commercial portion of a larger 31.42-acre mixed‑use development that began construction about nine months ago. “We can’t have another access point from GDOT into this location,” Wood said, describing access constraints that, he and staff said, contributed to the need for relief from the buffer standards.

Wood said the site is approximately 2.13 acres and that the encroachment is necessary to provide parking, drive aisle and a restaurant or retail pad at the front of the parcel. He described the project as envisioned with several restaurant or retail pads, circular parking and landscaping to preserve a neighborhood feel along the stream edge.

Planning staff reported the area within the stream buffer is approximately 40% of the parcel and quantified the requested encroachment: approximately 11,000 square feet into the 50-foot buffer (including retaining walls, sidewalk and road) and about 5,000 square feet into the 75-foot no‑impervious buffer (including part of the parking area and a portion of one building pad). Scott (Planning staff) told the commission the combination of steep topography and a single permitted access drive contributed to the hardship finding and recommended approval with the replanting condition. “Staff recommends a variance with the following condition,” Scott said, describing the requirement that planning staff determine replanting within disturbed buffer areas before project completion.

The commission voted to approve the variance (recorded in the hearing as approved). The motion as recorded in the transcript identified the applicant as VMB Residential LLC (variance number referenced in the hearing as 20225042 initially and later cited in the motion as 2025042); the transcript did not capture individual mover/second names or a roll-call tally.

The variance approval includes the staff condition that, after clearing the impacted city stream buffers and before project completion, Department of Planning and Zoning staff will determine landscape replanting required within the disturbed area. The commission did not, in the record, specify additional mitigation measures or binding limits on future development beyond that condition.

The parcel and its requested relief are tied to a larger development approved in 2024; the hearing record noted the commercial component is part of that previously approved multifamily and mixed‑use project. The record did not include building permits or final engineering approvals, and staff emphasized topography and access limitations as the principal practical constraints that supported the variance recommendation.

The commission’s action permits the applicant to proceed with the project subject to the staff replanting requirement; further permits and approvals (engineering, grading, construction) were not resolved in the hearing and remain future steps for the developer and city staff.","The City of Cumming Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance allowing portions of a 2.13-acre commercial pad to encroach into city stream buffers that apply to a larger 31.42-acre mixed-use development, with a condition requiring replanted landscaping determined by planning staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning staff announces retirement of long‑time employee Jeff Holmes

Commission opens hearing and postpones rezoning request for Sharon Road Development LLC to a PUD

Commission postpones conditional‑use permit for used-car brokerage at 334 Dahlonega Street

Planning commission approves stream-buffer variance for VMB Residential LLC mixed-use pad