Planning commission recommends denial of RM12 rezoning for Belair Road workforce townhomes

Dennis Tidwell asked the Cobb County Planning Commission June 2 to rezone a vacant parcel on Belair Road from R20 to RM12 to allow construction of 15 townhomes he described as workforce housing priced for 100–120% of area median income. Tidwell told commissioners the project would add a deceleration lane, meet driveway‑offset and setback standards, reduce impervious coverage, deed right‑of‑way for the road, and remove an illegal encampment that the development’s owners said has led to chronic trespass and dumping.

Staff and several commissioners questioned the project’s density, its fit with surrounding zoning and whether the prices Tidwell cited would in practice make the homes accessible to the workers he named (teachers, first responders, nurses). Staff recommended denial. Commissioners examined nearby comparables and discussed whether a lower‑density option — RA6 or RM8 — could achieve the same public‑safety and cleanup goals. Tidwell countered that stepping down density would render the project financially unviable and defeat the workforce goal.

After discussion, the commission voted to recommend denial of Z12. The record shows the recommendation was driven by staff analysis and commissioners’ skepticism that the RM12 request is compatible with nearby zoning and that the applicant had demonstrated the only feasible way to deliver workforce units was the requested density.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the final decision rests with the Board of Commissioners. Tidwell and supporters may revise the proposal or pursue alternatives, and the applicant said he will continue to engage with county staff and neighbors.