Council to continue public hearing on development after traffic study delayed

At a Feb. 4 work session, the Chattahoochee Hills City Council decided to continue a scheduled public hearing on a proposed residential development until April 1 at 6:00 p.m., after staff and the planning commission reported that the applicant's traffic impact study remains incomplete because road construction has affected traffic counts.

"They had extended their public hearing, because the traffic study can't happen because of the road," the Chair said, summarizing planning commission concerns and the rationale for deferral. Staff said the planning commission also wants a sewer-and-water linear-feet analysis and documentation about whether any rights-of-way must be acquired to serve the project.

Staff described a community meeting held Jan. 28 that drew about 50 people and relayed neighbor concerns that could be reflected in permit conditions: screening and replanting buffers with native plants, potential fencing or gates near Vernon Grove Road, and safety measures for quarry cliffs near the site. Staff also flagged a discrepancy in application language about "10 flats," which may indicate multifamily housing, and recommended the applicant clarify whether those units are condos or rental units.

Council members cautioned against discussing detailed conditions in the work session and asked staff to consolidate proposed conditions so the public sees a complete set of options at the formal hearing. The continuation will be advertised with the April 1 date and required signage and notices so residents know the item is deferred rather than removed from the interim agenda.