Neighbors disagree with Fayetteville’s rezoning approval for Folia Crossroads

A rezoning request for the Folia Crossroads mixed-use development proposed for Ga. Highway 54 West in Fayetteville received a unanimous vote by the Fayetteville City Council on Aug. 2. Neighbors separated from the proposed development by Lake Bennett spoke against the rezoning.

The second public hearing and vote followed previous presentations before the City Council and Planning Commission.

The proposal, which will now undergo the exacting development process, includes 265 single-family homes, 170,000 sq. ft. of varied commercial space and 40 condos above retail.

What concerned neighbors from the Crystal Lake subdivision, situated to the east and directly across Lake Bennett from the development, dealt essentially with what they repeatedly reiterated was the need for a 100-foot buffer fronting the lake to prevent stormwater runoff issues that could jeopardize the lake.

Crystal Lake residents J.D. Holmes and Alice Brown-Rodriguez made lengthy presentations, repeatedly making the case for a 100-foot buffer.

The state requires a 25-foot buffer, with the city adding as a condition an additional 25-foot buffer.

Though few residents spoke on the proposal, there were a significant number in attendance.