Developer asks Pendergrass City Council to rezone 98 acres for two event venues and hotel; residents raise traffic and environmental concerns

Bradley Dunkel, representing Rochester DCCM, asked the Pendergrass City Council to rezone 98 acres from agricultural (AG) to planned commercial district (PCD) to allow construction of two wedding/event venues and a hotel site.

Dunkel told the council the project is intended to be a lower-impact commercial use that could preserve open space and tree canopy while advancing several goals of the city’s comprehensive plan. "This is a request to rezone 98 acres from AG ... to PCD plan commercial district," Dunkel said.

The proposal prompted questions from council members and multiple residents about traffic, access and environmental review. Dunkel said Park Street currently has a 30-foot right-of-way and that the project would require widening the road from G Street to the project entrance; that widening would likely require the city to dedicate additional right-of-way. "Park Street currently only has a 30 foot right of way," Dunkel said.

Representatives and nearby homeowners discussed access for the Walnut Grove subdivision. Keith Ingram, president of the Walnut Grove homeowners association, asked what the city and developer plan to do about additional traffic where Glen Abbey meets Park Street and whether another entrance or turn lane could be provided. Dunkel said the developer is willing to add a turn lane and to coordinate an extended exit for the subdivision but noted constraints where CSX railroad property abuts local streets.

Residents and speakers also raised school-bus access and emergency-response concerns. A Walnut Grove speaker said the street is difficult for school buses and noted six to eight buses pass through the area each morning and afternoon. Dunkel said the venue’s event traffic would generally avoid school-bus hours and that the developer expects most hotel traffic to occur outside peak school periods; he also said the developers are willing to reduce building heights from earlier proposals. A participant referenced a firefighter’s comment that buildings over three stories would not be accommodated; Dunkel agreed to a reduction in height from earlier four-story plans.

Environmental oversight was also raised. Terry May, a resident of Blackbird Lane, asked whether city staff had performed due diligence on a federal resource reservoir located on or near the site and whether federal rules could restrict the proposal. A city speaker responded that the city planner would examine applicable codes and any federal requirements during the review process.

Lauren Lewis, representing Walters Hospitality, attended the presentation to answer operational questions, and members of the public offered both opposition and support. A resident identified as Michael spoke in favor, saying the proposal could generate revenue and make Pendergrass City more of a destination.

No formal rezoning vote was recorded in the transcript. Council members heard the presentation and public comment and discussed follow-up items including: a traffic study or engineering analysis, right-of-way dedications, coordination with CSX where rail property limits access, review of federal environmental constraints around the reservoir, and confirmation of building-height limits for emergency access.

The council’s agenda also included routine procedural items (minutes and treasury reports) and a ceremonial swearing-in of Laura Bigley as a councilmember; the transcript indicates planned contract approvals for a city solicitor and city planner but does not record final council votes on those contracts.

Next steps described in the meeting: the city planner will review applicable codes and any federal or railroad constraints as part of the formal rezoning review, and the council will consider the rezoning application at a future meeting after staff reports and any required studies are completed.