Planning panel backs 195-townhome plan at 3842 Old Milton Parkway

The Alpharetta Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a master-plan amendment, comprehensive land-use amendment and rezoning allowing 195 for-sale townhomes on a 29.24-acre site at 3842 Old Milton Parkway.

Planning staff presented the application as a joint project by Empire Communities (west half) and Toll Brothers (east half). Staff said the project would change the Camden Pond master plan land use from office to high-density residential and rezoning from a community unit plan to R-10M. “The item before you tonight is a request for master plan amendment, comprehensive land use plan amendment, and rezoning to allow for the construction of 195 for sale townhomes on 29.24 acres,” staff presenter Michael said during his overview. Staff recommended approval subject to 25 conditions tying the development to the submitted site plan and addressing architecture, open space, sidewalks, tree-save areas, lighting, and a limit that no more than 10% of units may be rented.

Applicants said design changes made during outreach reduced unit count from an earlier 207 units and increased setbacks and tree preservation measures. Jessica Hill, the applicant representative, said the site has been vacant for decades and that townhomes are “a better suit for developing on topography much more than an office.” Commissioners praised the applicant’s responsiveness to neighbor concerns and cited the city’s comprehensive plan calling for redevelopment in the Old Milton east-of-400 corridor. Commissioner comments culminated in a motion to approve the request with staff conditions; the motion carried and the item will be heard by City Council on Aug. 17.

Next steps: Council makes the final decision; if council approves, the applicant’s subsequent Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) review will include hydrology and final stormwater facility design.