The South Fulton Planning Commission on June 18 voted to recommend denial of three related applications from Wellspring Living for its campus at 3965 Roosevelt Highway: a rezoning from AG‑1 (agricultural) to C‑1 (limited commercial), a special‑use permit to allow a temporary shelter, and a comprehensive‑plan amendment seeking a change to the future land‑use designation.

Wellspring Living CEO Christian Murphy described the organization’s work on the property since 2009 and its proposed campus expansion, including a new building and “tiny homes” (presented as cottage‑style units) to increase residential care and services. Murphy said the project would expand programs for youth and adults and make use of three recently acquired acres from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Public comment included a mix of support and opposition. A neighboring resident raised concerns about mixing higher‑intensity uses, traffic and the compatibility of “tiny homes” with adjacent residential uses; another proponent described the need for services and walkable amenities. Staff recommended approval with conditions, but the commission split its votes: the rezoning (Z25‑010) was voted down, as was the special‑use permit (U25‑003); the future‑land‑use amendment (CDP25‑005) also received a recommendation of denial. Commissioners emphasized consistency with the existing comprehensive plan and said changes of this type should follow the ongoing citywide land‑use update rather than be granted piecemeal.

Why it matters: Wellspring operates residential and therapeutic services and sought to expand on nearby acres; denial by the planning commission means the organization will either have to revise the proposal, pursue other zoning paths, or wait for decisions at the mayor/council level. The commission’s rationale centered on land‑use consistency and neighborhood compatibility, not on Wellspring’s mission.