The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning application Oct. 14 to allow single-family detached and attached housing on two lots at 3803 and 3815 Glenwood Road after the applicant and neighbors negotiated changes to the proposal.

Planning staff (Ms. Bragg) recommended approval with four conditions: a mix of single-family detached and attached units (including duplexes/triplexes) with a maximum of 32 dwelling units; a minimum of 20% of the site maintained as open space (excluding stream buffers and floodplain); required transportation improvements such as right-of-way dedications, sidewalks and multi-use paths as determined by the county transportation department; and a requirement that the proposed parks and outdoor recreation areas be substantially consistent with the submitted site plan and completed before occupancy.

Victor Botero, representing the applicant, told commissioners the developer reduced density after community meetings and had adjusted the site plan repeatedly in response to neighborhood concerns. Several neighbors who live adjacent to the site—Edward Alston, Ethan Williams and Aaron Vincent—spoke in favor, saying the property is currently dilapidated or used for illegal dumping and that the developer had worked extensively with the community. Nader Osmond spoke in opposition, asking for reduced density and more community-driven design.

Commissioner Bolton moved to approve the rezoning with the stated staff conditions; the motion passed after debate and a roll-call machine vote. Commissioners said they wanted to see transportation and community investments accompany any increase in housing density.

What the approval means: the developer may proceed under the rezoned rules but must meet the four conditions (open space, transportation improvements, park completion and limits on unit counts) before receiving final occupancy approvals.