Stonecrest planning commission backs rezoning for 63 townhomes at Cove Lake with fence condition

The Stonecrest Planning Commission recommended approval on Dec. 2 of a rezoning request that would allow a 63‑unit townhome development at 2374 Cove Lake Road.

Deputy planning staff told commissioners the parcel (ID 16007203009) is currently zoned MR‑1 and has a future‑land‑use designation of urban neighborhood; the applicant asked to rezone it to MR‑2 to permit the proposed townhome plan. Staff listed 18 recommended conditions, noted 14 prior DeKalb County conditions from a 2007 approval, and recommended striking one condition that conflicted with current lot‑width requirements.

Attorney Michelle Battle, representing the developer, said the project updates the 2007 plan and responds to code changes that set a 25‑foot minimum unit width. She described project elements including a 50‑foot transitional buffer adjacent to the existing Cove Lake neighborhood, underground stormwater detention that will be grassed and replanted after construction, a tot lot (a change from a formerly proposed dog park), a mail kiosk, sidewalks along frontage, and 23 visitor parking spaces in addition to three parking spaces per unit. Battle said the applicant will provide a zoning agreement with maintenance responsibilities and was open to adding perimeter fencing and security cameras.

Several Cove Lake residents urged the commission to reject or modify the rezoning. Marty Garrison, a homeowner at 2399 Lake Cove Court, said the neighborhood already has “one way in, one way out” access and cited recent accidents near the Circle K and Covington Highway; she called adding 63 homes “very, very dangerous.” Resident Lisonbee Cook said the 50‑foot buffer borders her backyard and said it is not sufficient security, citing recent shootings near nearby gas stations.

Battle responded that the 2007 conditions were county clerk markings and that the team is willing to work with the homeowners association on fencing, camera placement and traffic mitigation. She said the project will perform a traffic warrant study and work with the Georgia Department of Transportation on signal timing if the rezoning is approved.

Commissioners questioned circulation, the rear‑entry garages and placement of visitor parking. Commissioner Erica Williams said she was “nervous when we have these subdivisions that just has a one way in, one way out” and asked the applicant and HOA to continue communications. Williams moved to approve the rezoning with staff recommendations plus an additional fencing condition; Commissioner Lamia Hawkins seconded. The motion passed unanimously (4‑0).

The commission’s recommendation includes staff‑recommended conditions (stormwater, landscaping, development standards) and an added requirement for fencing along the buffer as discussed at the hearing. The item will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.

Clarifying details recorded at the hearing include: the site address (2374 Cove Lake Road), parcel ID 16007203009, proposed 63 townhome units, an internal guest‑parking addition of 23 spaces, a 50‑foot transitional buffer to the existing Cove Lake community, and a staff‑recommended traffic study and any required GDOT coordination. The applicant said that up to 75 units would be permitted with the current access configuration before a second entrance is triggered under past conditions.