A mixed-use development along Ga. Highway 85 North and Banks Road in Fayetteville received a recommendation of denial at the Jan. 23 meeting of the Fayetteville Planning and Zoning Commission.
Above, the Fayetteville Planning and Zoning Commission at the January meeting. Photo/Ben Nelms.
A project of Brent Holdings LLC, plans called for commercial zoning along the east side of Hwy. 85 immediately north of Banks Road, in an area along the roadway totaling approximately 14.4 acres. Plans call for approximately 30,000 sq. ft. of retail along Hwy. 85.
Situated on the Satterfield property, the acreage is bordered by Banks Road commercial to the south, Aldi and Lowe’s to the west and J&R Clothing to the north. Property to the east is zoned residential in unincorporated Fayette County.
Plans for a second aspect of the project, situated 21.5 acres to the east of the commercial proposal, called for 68 townhomes to be constructed with access to Banks Road.
Currently zoned single-family residential, C-3 (highway commercial) zoning was sought for the retail area and R-THC (residential townhouse/condominium) for the residential for the residential area.
Project representatives at the meeting stated the opinion that the proposal would utilize the highest and best use of the property.
City planning staff recommended denial of the proposal given that plans lacked consistency with the city’s recently adopted comprehensive plan.
Commissioners during the discussion agreed with planning staff, citing input from citizens on the comprehensive plan process that culminated with having the property zoned residential with one-third to one-half-acre lots.
“We don’t want to undo the work our community did,” said Commissioner Debi Renfroe.
The subsequent vote by commissioners unanimously recommended denial.
Project representatives prior to the vote questioned the likelihood of a solely residential neighborhood being established on the property, given the prevalence of adjacent commercial property to the north, south and west.
Developers have the option of making the proposal to the City Council in February.
