Alpharetta council delays decision on Charlotte Drive curb-and-gutter removal after drainage, maintenance concerns

The Alpharetta City Council on April 28 deferred a developer’s request to remove a curb-and-gutter requirement along Charlotte Drive and approved a separate motion to shorten the waiting period for a zoning rehearing.

City staff had presented two linked requests from DRB Group: a variance to reduce the UDC waiting period for council consideration from 12 months to 6 months, and a change of condition to remove condition No. 7 that currently requires curb and gutter along the property frontage for a proposed 41‑lot, single‑family subdivision on about 36.78 acres at 12265 Charlotte Drive. Director Cook told council staff recommended approval of the 6‑month reduction and supported the change of condition subject to added drainage and sidewalk conditions.

The change‑of‑condition request drew extensive public comment and council questions about stormwater, pedestrian safety and long‑term maintenance. Several residents said they worry about increased runoff and ponding if curb and gutter are removed. “My only concern with this application is the stormwater runoff entering into our neighborhood and creating problems,” said a Preserve on Charlotte Drive homeowner during public comment. Another resident opposed removal because she said the curb had provided a buffer for…