The Lexington Lofts proposal by Dar Thompson for a $22 million project including 75 condominiums and retail space on Lexington Circle received no support June 13 from the Peachtree City Planning Commission.
Planning commissioners Lynda Wojcik, David Conner and Aaron Daily, the only commissioners at the meeting, sided with neighbors who requested the unfavorable recommendation to the City Council.
While the commissioners said each liked the project, they voted 3-0 against recommending it for approval.
Commissioners said Thompson should have some measure of neighborhood support, without which it would be a “big hurdle to clear.” Mirroring some of the comments by neighbors, commissioners had concerns about the building height, increased area density and the potential need to have a traffic study conducted.
Thompson is proposing 72-78 residential units ranging from 1,200-1,800 sq. ft. All units will be for sale, he said, adding that the average price of a condo in the $22-24 million project would be $379,000 and would include on-site concierge services. Thompson said he already has 14 people, those whose children are grown but wish to remain in Peachtree City, interested in purchasing a unit.
Residential density was one of the issues cited by commissioners and neighbors. The 4.88-acre tract is located within the LUC-16 (limited use commercial) zoning district which permits no more than 80 fee-simple townhome units. The Lexington Village townhome development includes 46 units, which leaves no more than 34 units to be developed. This zoning condition would need to be amended to allow additional multi-family units within this district, according to city staff.
Another issue was the height of the four-story building. The maximum building height permitted within the LUC-16 zoning district is limited to three stories plus a basement. This zoning condition would also need to be amended to permit a four-story building.
Thompson said the four-story building at 59 feet would be situated at a lower elevation above sea level than is found on Hwy. 54. He said the building would be five feet higher than the former Bank of Georgia building with a 40-foot difference in elevation from Walt Banks Road.
Thompson also noted that four-story buildings already exist in Peachtree City, at the Somerby development on the city’s south side.
Residents from Governor’s Row and Lexington Village attended the meeting and spoke against the project. Along with density and height issues, residents spoke about increased traffic, noise from rooftop air conditioning units, people in the condos from a greater height being able to “look down” on their Lexington Village neighbors, vibrations from traffic, impacted property values of nearby residences and the “glare cloud” that would disrupt the view of the sky and stars.
Changing the zoning from LUC-16 would alter the commitment to the area, others said.
Another speaker opposed to the development said he is a developer, adding that he would be happy to show Thompson how he could make the project work.
Thompson in response to the comments said retail rather than residential at the site would generate several times more traffic. He added that the closest home on Governor’s Row is 273 feet from the proposed residential building with 10,000 sq. ft. of retail on the first floor. The closest Lexington Village residence is 100 feet away, Thompson said.
An item that came up and is being addressed deals with the existing 50-foot greenbelt at the rear of the property and whether it should be 75 feet. Thompson said his attorney became aware of the issue and will work with the city attorney.
Thompson toward the end of his comments and speaking of the property said, “It’s going to be something. If somebody wants it, write me a check.”
