Representatives of residential apartment developer NuRock had an exploratory conversation April 11 at a Fayetteville Planning and Zoning work session with the idea of locating an apartment complex slated for rental to seniors in The Villages at LaFayette area.

Commissioners complimented the developer on the concept but suggested such a development was not a good fit for the area.

NuRock representative Tom Gladdis compared the proposed development to the 105-unit apartment community in Austell and The Heritage at Walton Reserve. Gladdis said that, if developed, the Fayetteville project would provide services such as food service and housekeeping.

“When people bought homes in LaFayette they had a picture of what would be there,” said Commissioner Allen Feldman. “You don’t change horses in mid-stream.”

According to company literature, Walton Reserve in Austell is a gated community composed of three-story apartment buildings. Amenities include a meeting and conference hall and grand ballroom, technology center, fitness center, billiards parlor, barber/beauty shop, a coffee bar and swimming. The development also features walking and nature trails and a reflection garden.

Commissioners agreed that, in concept, the development appeared to have merit, but that the location developers were targeting would not be suitable. Such a development might be appropriate in another area, they said.

NuRock operates residential communities in Georgia and Texas. The company operates communities for seniors in Austell and in Austin, Texas.