Developers, neighbors spar over Riverside Drive proposal that would add 120,000 sq ft self‑storage and retail pads

A developer and neighbors squared off at a special called public hearing on a proposed rezoning and special‑use permit for 0 Riverside Drive (Z25‑001/U25‑002). The project would subdivide about 9 acres into three parcels and construct a multi‑use node comprising a roughly 120,000‑square‑foot Class‑A self‑storage facility, a restaurant pad and a retail pad.

Developer Brady McDonald described the storage building as a Class A facility intended to be well‑landscaped and lit, positioned as a transition between industrial uses on Fulton Industrial Boulevard and nearby residences. He said market analysis showed the nearest comparable self‑storage was more than four miles away and that the development included retail uses requested by the neighborhood. Project counsel said staff and the planning commission recommended conditional approval and that an earlier condition had been modified in cooperation with staff after lenders signaled the original language would block financing.

Opponents told council they already see clustering of storage facilities in the area, argued storage delivers few local jobs and questioned whether the site would best serve the neighborhood's long‑term quality of life. Community presenters urged use of the site for restaurants, arts amenities or uses that generate pedestrian activity and employment. The applicant said it had collected written support from nearby businesses and residents and argued the development would be a market‑driven, lower‑impact use along a busy industrial corridor.

What happened at council: The council opened the public hearing, heard applicant presentations, several supporters and opponents and closed the hearing. No final council vote on the application appears in the record of the Oct. 28 transcript; staff told council they had worked with the applicant on amended condition language that would accommodate lender concerns while meeting city objectives.

Why it matters: The project illustrates the recurring land‑use tensions in South Fulton: how to balance market feasibility, the countywide industrial corridor and neighborhood preferences for retail or amenity‑driven development. Supporters emphasized market need for storage and the developer's design commitment; opponents emphasized clustering and quality‑of‑life impacts.

What's next: The record shows the public hearing was closed and the council began deliberations; the Oct. 28 transcript does not contain a recorded final vote. Any future council action should be checked in the official minutes or the next council agenda.