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Council approves rezoning at 5680 Whitner Drive despite neighborhood safety and runoff concerns
Summary
Sandy Springs approved rezoning 5680 Whitner Drive from RE2 to RD27 to allow three lots facing Whitner Drive; residents opposed citing sight lines, stormwater runoff and inadequate notice; council and applicant said modern stormwater and erosion controls and site conditions address the concerns.
The Sandy Springs City Council on May 19 voted to rezone 5680 Whitner Drive from RE2 to RD27 to allow a three-lot subdivision that staff said aligns with surrounding parcels along Mount Vernon Highway.
Planning and zoning manager Michelle McIntosh Ross recommended approval with conditions requiring homes face Whitner Drive, driveways and curb cuts to be placed on Whitner Drive (not Mount Vernon Highway), and inclusion of any required rights-of-way or easement dedications in the recorded plat. Applicant Stokely Weinberg said his firm, Whitner Green Estates, supports staff and planning commission recommendations.
Three nearby residents — Meredith Johnson, EJ Stern and Ron Kaplan — spoke in opposition. They cited safety and visibility issues at the corner lot on a steep hill, concerns about increased impervious surface and stormwater runoff accelerating erosion downhill, and a belief that inadequate public notice suppressed turnout at an earlier meeting. Johnson called the rezoning inconsistent with the established character and urged denial. Stern emphasized tree canopy and drainage impacts and requested more time or study.
Weinberg and staff responded that recent state-level stormwater ordinance changes impose stricter detention and erosion-control requirements and that the project will be subject to the same tree-protection and stormwater regulations applicable to similar developments. Weinberg said the applicant reissued required notices after a legally required scheduling delay and that the parcel is the only lot in that corridor not already zoned RD27.
Councilmember Andrew Chinsky moved approval and asked staff to evaluate traffic and signage at the Mount Vernon/Whitner intersection; Mayor and council also directed staff to consider 'do not block' pavement markings to improve egress. The motion passed by voice vote.
