Canton council hears public opposition as applicant offers to scale Longview master plan

CANTON, Ga. — The Canton City Council on Oct. 2 heard more than an hour of neighborhood opposition to a proposed master plan amendment and conditional‑use permit for property at Longview Street and Dr. John T. Pettit Street, as the applicant suggested stepping back to the previously approved 124‑unit layout.

Mayor and staff opened a public hearing on cases MP2508‑001 and CUP2508‑002 after city planner Mister Green described the submitted proposal as 143 residential units — 15 single‑family homes, 80 townhomes and 48 duplexes — compared with an approved plan for 124 units (96 single‑family homes and 28 duplexes).

Residents raised safety and infrastructure concerns. Doc Evans, who lives within 1,000 feet of the site, said notification was late and that the notice sign was “put 16 feet up in the woods, a 1 way sign, where you couldn't see driving either direction,” and warned that Longview Drive is “so narrow with no pull offs, no shoulder” and thus unsafe for more traffic. Jerry Yerby said the nearby sewer mains are antiquated — “terracotta with a 6 inch diameter” — and have required recent repairs. Multiple speakers urged the city to complete road, sewer and power upgrades before allowing new construction.

Applicant representatives including Valentin Torres of Gamesa Properties and civil engineer Owen Herbert said difficult site topography and on‑site rock make single‑family lots impractical in some areas and that townhomes were proposed to address constructability. Herbert said the team would meet many city requirements — sidewalks, curb and gutter, storm sewer, upgraded sanitary sewer and public water — and that the developer had proposed concessions, including reducing the unit count “back down to a 124, at least to a 124, maybe less,” to avoid a second access requirement.

Council members asked staff whether reverting to 124 units would remove the ordinance requirement for a second entrance; staff confirmed that projects with 125 units or more require two entrances under city rules. Staff also reviewed eight conditions tied to the original approval, including tree protection measures, that would remain applicable unless altered through a master plan amendment.

On tree protections, staff said a tree survey will be required, specimen trees must be identified, and removed trees must be replaced either with comparable trees (minimum 3‑inch caliper) or by payment into the city’s tree fund. Regarding sewer capacity, staff referenced the city engineer’s review indicating adequate water and sewer to serve the development, though residents disputed that assessment during public comment.

Council asked the applicant to provide a revised site plan reflecting the applicant’s commitment to lower density, consider increasing single‑family units, and clarify whether streets would be private or public and whether the $800 per‑unit contribution to the Canton Affordable Housing Fund would be matched if the plan reverts to 124 units. Staff said recommended conditions will be included in the packet for the forthcoming action meeting and that the applicant may request an extension to submit revised plans.

The council closed the public hearing and moved the matter to the action meeting schedule; no final decision or vote on the master plan amendment was taken on Oct. 2.