Commissioners rezone 36-acre Foster Drive site to permit 254-unit cottage-style multifamily community

The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted July 15 to rezone approximately 35.97 acres north of Foster Drive (RZ-24-28) from Residential-Agricultural (RA) to Multifamily Residential (RM) to allow a gated horizontal multifamily community with 254 cottage-style rental units.

Planning staff summarized the application from Next Metro Development LLC and HFG Development LLC and presented a revised site plan showing 254 units (76 one-bedroom attached units, 103 two-bedroom attached/detached units and 75 three-bedroom detached units). Staff reported a gross density of 7.1 units per acre and a net density of 9.2 units per acre, approximately 1.95 acres of interior green space and about 19.1 acres of exterior/open space. The developer’s plan includes amenities such as a resort-style pool, pavilion areas with outdoor kitchens, two enclosed dog parks, pickleball courts, pocket parks, a central green near the leasing office, and a covered mailbox kiosk.

Staff recommended approval with 15 conditions addressing consistency with the submitted site plan and unit count, a required traffic impact study before permitting, potential left-turn lane construction on Foster Drive at the project expense, up to 15 feet of additional right-of-way dedication along Foster Drive prior to any land disturbance permits (to enable future road improvements), architectural standards substantially consistent with submitted renderings (including brick water tables and minimum unit square footages), enhanced landscaping and buffers, gated access with Knox box emergency access and fire-department compliance. Planning staff also noted the project’s future land use designation is Urban Residential and that the project’s density is below what could be allowed under other multifamily forms.

During public comment, proponents emphasized alignment with the future land use map and the project’s emphasis on green space and one-story cottage units; a developer representative said the entrance from Kendra Drive will be emergency-access only and that the project will fund a left-turn lane at Foster Drive if required. One community speaker opposed the rezoning, citing concerns about concentration of rental units and school capacity. Commissioners discussed homeownership goals, housing choices, and the project’s design; several commissioners praised the green space, the cottage-style approach rather than vertical apartments, and procurement transparency shown by staff.

The board moved, seconded and approved the rezoning as presented by staff with the 15 conditions; the transcript records a motion, second and “All in favor? All opposed? Motion carries.” Planning staff noted that a traffic impact study and additional permitting steps remain before construction permits will be issued.