Commission recommends Fulton Science Academy use of Westside office building for pre-K/elementary with traffic conditions

The Alpharetta Planning Commission on Feb. 6 recommended approval of a master plan amendment and conditional use that would allow Fulton Science Academy to reuse an existing two‑story office building at 8995 Westside Parkway for pre‑K and elementary education, in a phased plan that limits enrollment to 300 students initially and up to 600 once the second-floor tenant vacates.

Staff presented the proposal as a phased reuse: the existing second‑floor professional tenant would remain through an interim period (the applicant indicated the tenant will remain until about Feb. 19, 2028), allowing the school to occupy the first floor for an initial enrollment of roughly 300. When the second floor becomes available, the school would expand and increase enrollment to a maximum of 600 students. Planning staff tied the conditional use to a site plan with play areas, circulation for pickup and drop-off, and a list of eco‑district measures the applicant committed to pursue.

Michael, the planning presenter, said the site plan removes 13 parking spots on the north side of the building to create a play area and retains an existing pond at the rear; the applicant measured available parking at 197 spaces, which staff said is sufficient for the proposed phased uses. He added that the applicant’s circulation plan includes about 59 entering stacking positions inside the lot and that staff required at least 200 feet of exiting stacking distance to the signalized intersection; the applicant’s plan was revised on the record to accommodate that distance. “Pick up and drop off location shall be adjusted to provide a minimum 200 feet of exiting stacking distance as approved by staff,” Michael said when summarizing recommended conditions.

The commission’s conditions require a final approved pickup/drop‑off circulation plan, on‑site traffic‑control measures (including personnel during peak hours and temporary traffic-control devices), wayfinding signage, and a staff‑monitored remedy clause: if traffic problems arise the school must implement corrective measures that could include staged arrival/dismissal times, deploying law enforcement, or modifying signal timing. Conditions also tie the school to a set of eco‑district measures the applicant described, require screening of play areas from the public right of way, and ask the property owner to attempt to preserve trees in the areas labeled play area.

Jim Weiner of Make3 Architecture and the Fulton Science Academy team said the school will separate the remaining second‑floor tenant’s access from student circulation and that the school operates efficient, staffed drop‑off procedures. “The tenant has agreed to enter the building on the south end. They won't be going through the front door, and there'll be a separation,” Weiner said. The school’s traffic consultant and the city traffic engineer discussed queuing and exit behavior; the school’s traffic expert said internal variables — how many students are unloaded at once, the use of volunteers and staged schedules — determine queue length and that the plan provides a second driveway that can serve as a “release valve” during peak times.

The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval with a set of 16 conditions, accepting applicants’ minor wording edits to several conditions to allow modest flexibility on schedules and clarify square footage. The motion passed unanimously; the recommendation goes to City Council for final action on Feb. 24.