Developer seeks rezoning for 50 townhomes at McGee Landing; staff says new site plan meets rules

Developers asked the council Sept. 9 to rezone 8.53 acres at McGee Landing from a medium‑density apartment district to a townhouse residential district to build 50 townhomes.

Reginald McClendon of the city’s Community Development department told the hearing the case (Z25‑006) had a prior Planning Commission denial but that the applicant submitted a revised site plan that staff believes complies with zoning regulations. The applicant, Garrett Christopher, said the property had a prior apartment zoning and partially built structures from an earlier era and that the new plan emphasizes for‑sale homeownership rather than rental apartments.

Christopher said the project will offer two‑ and three‑bedroom floor plans and that the developer proposes a maximum rental share of 15% of units — eight units out of 50 would be allowed as rentals under the developer’s proffer. The applicant said the project will include incentives such as assistance for down‑payment and closing costs through local banking partners to support buyers.

Opposition and questions at the hearing focused on entryway and site conditions and on ensuring the development supports retail prospects along the corridor. Michael Venable, a nearby resident and neighborhood representative, told council that the revised plan “looks much better than the first iteration” but cautioned about the project’s effect on retail and streetscape quality.

Council members urged the applicant to stay engaged with neighbors on landscaping and entry features and asked staff to ensure final landscape and site details are completed by design professionals before permits issue. At the end of the hearing council discussion indicated support for continued engagement; a final council vote was not recorded during the public hearing segment and staff advised that technical site details will be confirmed before development permits are issued.

Next steps: staff will confirm that the revised site plan meets the zoning standards and will require any final landscape and entry design details as part of permitting and final site plan review.