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Planning staff, developer outline mixed-use project at 145 Haywood Allen Parkway
Summary
Planning staff presented a special-use request and associated variances for a mixed-use development at 145 Haywood Allen Parkway to allow ground-floor residential in a Commercial General zone; the Planning Commission recommended approval and the applicant said the project targets older renters and requests reduced parking and plaza requirements.
Planning Director Bruce Loney presented a special-use request for 145 Haywood Allen Parkway to allow ground-floor residential in the Commercial General zoning category. Staff said the proposal is compatible with the 2023 comprehensive plan, serves as a transitional infill project between commercial uses and adjacent residential neighborhoods, and provides a mix of housing types intended as infill redevelopment.
Loney described four requested variances: elimination of conserved canopy (with new plantings to meet total canopy targets), reduced plaza hardscape (offset by public green-space), reduced parking and a single access point due to topography. He said Transportation, Public Works and the fire marshal reviewed the single-access design and found it acceptable with the proposed emergency-access design. "The required parking ... would normally require 213 spaces," he said, and staff recorded the applicant's request for 177 spaces to match the unit mix the applicant intends to market.
Applicant representative Logan Waters described the design changes made after Planning Commission review and said the project is being marketed toward older residents with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units and on-site amenities such as pickleball courts and an indoor amenity area. "The target demographic is going to be older individuals ... empty nesters," Waters said. He explained the site was reconfigured to avoid a problematic retaining wall near Georgia Power infrastructure.
Commissioners asked about price points (rent versus ownership), parking ratios, and accessibility (an elevator in the three-story building). Waters said rent levels were pending market analysis and confirmed an elevator will serve the central portion of the taller building. Staff and commissioners noted the item will return for a formal vote at the June 2 meeting with additional details to be provided.
Next steps: the commission will take a formal vote at its June meeting after staff compiles the requested market and parking analyses.
