Loganville planning commission recommends denial of annexation, rezoning and variances for proposed 82‑lot senior neighborhood

The Loganville Planning Commission voted June 26 to recommend denial of four related applications from Revive Land Group LLC and Mahaffy Pickins Tucker LLP for property at 3215 and 0 Tick Knight Road, a roughly 26.883‑acre parcel in Walton County. The commission recommended denial of an annexation request (A25‑016), a rezoning from A1 to RM4 (R25‑015) and two variances (V25‑013 and V25‑014). The recommendations will be transmitted to City Council, which will accept public comment on July 7 and vote on July 10.

Neville Allison, managing partner of Revive Land Group, told the commission the company proposes an age‑restricted community of ranch‑style single‑family homes tailored for buyers 55 and older and said the project would contain about 82 lots with a robust amenity package. Allison said the development is not townhomes or apartments and that the product is intended to meet local demand for ADA‑style, zero‑entry housing. He described proposed lot sizes of about 5,500 square feet and said the project footprint is about 28 acres.

Allison framed the project as a fiscal necessity for Loganville, citing permit revenues that he said fell from roughly $700,000 in 2022 to $257,000 in 2024 and warning that lower fee revenue has eroded the city’s debt‑coverage ratio and could raise borrowing costs. He also argued that a senior development generates less traffic — he estimated 30–40% fewer vehicle trips — and said the proposal would expand the city’s property‑tax base without adding school enrollment.

Neighbors and nearby property owners urged the commission to deny the requests. Terry Parsons said the city should remain consistent with prior council decisions to deny similar zoning and argued Loganville is nearly built out in places, meaning permit shortfalls reflect available land rather than policy. Tim Morris asked the commission to enforce the city’s half‑mile/2,640‑foot RM4 distance limit and to deny the requested variances; he also requested a buffer consistent with adjacent developments. Resident Sandra Rangel said the applicant’s plat does not preserve a front easement and questioned setbacks, contending some plan elements appeared to fall short of the 25‑foot minimum she expected.

In response to questions, Allison said any structures on the applicant’s parcel would be demolished but adjacent homeowners’ structures would remain. He said the applicant had provided a 50‑foot buffer where an adjacent neighborhood had an 80‑foot buffer and that lot sizing had been chosen to mirror other local senior projects. Staff noted the property is currently served by Walton County water and that, if annexed, an intergovernmental agreement would be needed for Loganville to provide both water and sewer.

On the four motions, the commission voted as follows: annexation A25‑016 — motion to deny passed, 3–1; rezoning R25‑015 — motion to deny passed, 4–0; variance V25‑013 (distance allowance) — motion to deny passed, 4–0; variance V25‑014 (front‑entry garage allowance) — motion to deny passed, 4–0. The commission’s action is a recommendation to City Council; the council’s July meeting will include public comment followed by a council vote on July 10.

The planning commission concluded its business and adjourned. City Council will receive the commission’s recommendation and hear public input before taking final action.