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Council approves all-residential design at 50 Powers Ferry Road after live-work debate and veto attempt
Summary
After months of debate and a failed attempt to force live-work units on the first floor, the Marietta City Council approved a design change at 50 Powers Ferry Road to allow all-residential units on the ground floor; the final vote was 4-3.
The Marietta City Council voted 4-3 to approve a residential design change at 50 Powers Ferry Road that will allow an all-residential configuration on the first floor after an extended debate over whether the ground-floor space should be live-work units, commercial retail, or residential.
Developers and their representative told council they had pursued commercial or live-work options for the first floor for more than two years but had been unable to secure tenants. A project representative said the market reality left the developer unable to make a commercial-first-floor plan viable and that “to be able to move forward, they really need a resolution on what it can be.”
Council members debated alternatives at length. One substitute motion to require a live-work configuration (commercial frontage on Powers Ferry, living space behind) was proposed but failed to gain support. The mayor attempted to veto an amendment; the council considered an override motion that did not move forward, and the council ultimately voted to approve the all-residential plan.
During the discussion, council members said the area has a notable amount of vacant retail—one council member noted the Town and Country center and other nearby shopping centers had long-term vacancies—and emphasized differing views about whether more residents would help nearby retail or whether new retail would be needed first.
The developer outlined that the modified plan would add roughly 11 residential units to the project (mix and final unit count to be determined in the permit-stage plans) and said prior proposals included mixed-use options such as live-work units. The council recorded final passage of the all-residential configuration on the council floor by a 4-3 vote.
Council members and staff agreed the project will move forward under the approved residential plan; details such as leasing approach, final floor plans and any pedestrian connections will be addressed in subsequent design and permitting steps.
The public record shows council divided on strategy for revitalizing the surrounding commercial area — some members favored retaining or encouraging commercial frontage, while others prioritized getting the project built and increasing local housing supply.
No immediate city budget appropriation was tied to the design change; the decision alters zoning/design approvals for the project and will determine the mix of space available to the market as the developer seeks tenants or residents.
