South Fulton board reviews parking variance for Anthem Complex affordable housing project

The South Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals convened on June 26, 2025, to discuss a significant variance request that could impact the development of affordable housing in the area. The applicant, represented by civil engineer Tuan Duong from Atlas Technical Consultants, is seeking to reduce the required parking spaces for a new multifamily development from 87 to 78. This request is part of the third phase of the Anthem Complex, aimed at providing affordable housing options.

During the meeting, Duong explained that the site has limited buildable area due to existing easements that occupy 20% of the lot. He emphasized that the development's design must balance the number of housing units with the available parking, leading to the request for a variance to allow one parking space per bedroom instead of the standard requirement of 1.25 spaces per bedroom.

Board members raised questions regarding the implications of the variance, particularly concerning the affordability of the housing units and the potential impact on property values in the surrounding area. While the developer aims to provide affordable housing, specific price points were not disclosed during the discussion, prompting concerns from board members about maintaining community standards.

The board ultimately closed public comments and began deliberating on the variance request. The outcome of this decision will be crucial for the future of the Anthem Complex and its role in addressing housing needs in South Fulton. If the variance is denied, the developer may face challenges in proceeding with the planned units, as reducing the number of units is not feasible due to site constraints.

As the board continues to evaluate the proposal, the community awaits a decision that could shape the landscape of affordable housing in South Fulton.