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ZAB recommends rezoning for 254-unit cottage-style rental community on Foster Drive with conditions
Summary
The board recommended approval to rezone about 36 acres north of Foster Drive to RM for a gated cottage-style rental community (approx. 254 units) with conditions including unit-size minimums, phased amenities and coordination on Foster Drive widening and traffic study requirements.
The Henry County Zoning Advisory Board on May 8 recommended rezoning roughly 36 acres north of Foster Drive from residential agricultural to RM (multifamily residential) for a gated, cottage-style rental community proposed by Next Metro Development.
Planner Kintilano (staff) described the proposal as a horizontal multifamily development with 254 units at a net density of about 9.2 dwelling units per acre, including one-, two- and three-bedroom units, a resort-style pool, pavilion and pocket parks. Staff recommended approval with conditions covering design standards, required traffic study and minimum heated floor areas for each unit type.
John Jordan, the applicant's attorney, said the product is an elevated rental community intended for renters-by-choice and noted market research indicating typical household incomes and resident demographics for similar communities. “They have the financial means to buy a home, but they just don't wanna be homeowners at whatever stage in life that they're in,” Jordan said. Sean Rust, a company representative, gave representative rent ranges: “1-bedroom around $1,800, the 2-bedrooms around $2,200, and the 3-bedrooms around $2,450,” he said.
Opposition commenters raised concerns about stormwater runoff, creek and wetland impacts, school capacity, traffic congestion on Foster Drive and cumulative development pressures. Conserv Henry and multiple nearby residents urged denial or further study, citing existing runoff or sewer issues in neighboring developments.
Board members moved to approve the rezoning with staff conditions and additional direction that the developer work with county staff and the public-works department on right-of-way needs for Foster Drive. The motion carried with the board recording approval (final tally recorded as 3-1). Staff said a traffic-impact study will be required before permitting and that site-plan review and erosion/stormwater controls will apply.
