Applicant seeks rezoning for 1455 Rogers Lake Road to allow 75 townhomes

Bobby Bullard of Bullard Land Planning presented a rezoning request for 1455 Rogers Lake Road to the City of Stonecrest Planning and Zoning Department on March 13, 2025. The petitioner asked the city to change the property’s zoning from R-100 (residential medium lot) to RSM (small-lot residential mix) to permit an attached townhome development of approximately 75 lots on a 14.86-acre parcel.

The proposal includes what Bullard described as a design that preserves vegetation and natural areas while providing community amenities. "The project is 14 almost 15 acres, 14.86 acres and we proposed to rezone to RSM for townhomes," Bullard said. He said the plan preserves roughly 51% open space, above the 20% minimum, and anticipates amenities such as trails, a pavilion, a community garden and a playground.

The developer said the proposal yields about 5 units per acre after applying density provisions for conserved natural areas. Bullard also said two builders have expressed interest in constructing the homes, and that the units would include two-car garages. He said the development would tie into an existing stormwater easement on the site.

Residents asked questions about tree preservation, proximity to neighboring homes and traffic. Neil Wright asked whether the wooded areas would remain; Bullard responded that the "woods behind you will be retained." Gwen Doggett and other residents sought clarification on nearby cross streets and confirmed the site is near Rogers Lake Road and about a mile north of the Lithonia Industrial intersection. Resident Renee Cale asked whether the units would be rental properties; Bullard said, "These are, to be sold to individuals. Be simple sales. Yes." Several residents noted a vertical drop to adjacent subdivisions and asked about sight distance; Bullard said sight-distance analyses had been completed and indicated adequate visibility at the proposed entrance.

No formal decision or vote occurred at the informational meeting. Staff noted the rezoning petition will appear before the Planning Commission for a public hearing in April and would return to the Mayor and City Council for a final public hearing if not deferred. The applicant indicated a goal of beginning construction about one year from permit approval, depending on permitting and approvals.

The presentation and public comments are part of the application record; subsequent public hearings will be the venue for formal action and any recorded votes.