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DeKalb commissioners defer major modification for 4015 Flat Shoals Parkway amid community concerns
Summary
A developer's request to modify zoning conditions for the Flat Shoals mixed‑use site was deferred 30 days after residents voiced frustration about past development, retail vacancies and community impacts.
DeKalb County commissioners on May 22 deferred for 30 days a major modification request affecting properties at 4015 Flat Shoals Parkway after residents raised long-running concerns about development and neighborhood impacts.
The application, filed by Architectural Standard LLC (represented by attorney Michelle Battle of Battle Law), would update a 2012 rezoning for a large mixed‑use DRI site. County staff told the commission the change is largely driven by shifting market conditions since the original approvals and would further reduce the planned commercial square footage in favor of a wider mix of housing types. Michelle Battle said the new plan includes 260 multifamily units, about 66 townhomes and 31 cottage units, and roughly 12,200 square feet of retail space, and that the overall master plan still anticipates roughly 666 total units if fully built out.
Residents who live along the corridor urged the commission to slow the process and seek stronger commitments. Bruce McMillan, a longtime resident of Brookwater Point, urged commissioners to stop what he described as piecemeal development along Flat Shoals, saying, "Flat Shoals Parkway is a hot mess." Other speakers pressed for clearer commitments on amenities, open space and traffic mitigation.
Staff recommended the 30‑day deferral, and the commission voted to defer to the public hearing on June 24 so staff and the applicant could continue community outreach and address outstanding comments from the Atlanta Regional Commission and other reviewers.
The deferral leaves open further negotiations on the final site plan and conditions; staff said any changes will be evaluated at the public hearing and through the required DRI/DRI‑related reviews. The applicant said they are continuing to talk to potential retail users and to MARTA about pedestrian access and transit stops.
The commission encouraged residents to meet with district offices during the deferral period so outstanding neighborhood questions can be documented and addressed at the June hearing.
