Council to hold hearings on a 138‑unit senior living campus and a six‑unit multifamily project

Planning and Community Development Director Kimberly Smith and assistant director Lee Kelly briefed council on three upcoming zoning cases that will be scheduled for public hearing and action at the next meeting.

0 Norman Berry Drive (cases P2025RZ‑001‑08 and P2025U‑001‑08): The applicant, CMC Development Group, seeks to rezone one parcel from Educational/Institutional to Medical/Institutional to consolidate three parcels and permit a senior living development consisting of two buildings (assisted‑living and independent‑living) for a total of 138 units. Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval of the rezoning, the use permit and a parking‑reduction variance. Applicants said they plan a construction start in 12–18 months if approvals proceed and indicated a range of targeted rents and unit sizes; they said they were in early conversations with the housing authority about voucher holders but the project was not a subsidized tax‑credit development.

1784 West Taylor Avenue (case P2025RZ‑001‑02): The property owner seeks a rezoning from R‑1A (single‑family) to R‑3 (multifamily) for a compact infill project: three duplex buildings totaling six units. Staff said the site sits in the MARTA transit‑oriented development (TOD) area and planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval of the rezoning and of a variance to reduce the interior side setback, but recommended denial of an amendment that would raise the maximum building height to 45 feet. Consultants for the applicant showed a conceptual rendering and explained parking and circulation will be coordinated with the city engineer; staff placed façade and landscaping conditions on any approval, including a staggered façade and evergreen buffer along single‑family property lines.

Smith said both rezoning and permit items will be placed at the top of the Oct. 20 public‑hearing agenda so the council can hear public comment and decide them in that session. Several council members asked if applicants had reached out to neighborhood associations and were told the Norman Berry applicant and the West Taylor applicant had participated in community meetings; the West Taylor applicant reported support at a neighborhood meeting.

Council members asked for clear site maps and property‑line clarifications in advance of the hearing and for the planning director to confirm any outstanding submission items for the public record.