Development Group Files Annexation Application
Walton Georgia LLC plans to develop 157-acre tract near 316 and Winder Highway as a "live, work, play" community.
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Almost four months after city officials approved a revised planned mixed-use development (PMUD) ordinance that would allow apartments to be built within the city limits of Dacula, the development group that initially requested the revisions has filed an application to have a 157-acre tract of land near 316 and Winder Highway annexed into the city.
In 2011, representatives from Walton Investing, Mill Creek Consulting and Rochester Engineering Associates approached the Dacula City Council regarding the feasibility of annexing the property into the city limits and eventually developing the property as a “live, work, play” community. On March 1, 2012, after months of discussions, the Dacula City Council approved changes to the city's PMUD ordinance that increase the maximum allowable housing density per acre from eight units to 13 and require 25 percent of any development be set aside for open space. Of the remaining property, a maximum of 40 percent may be developed as residential.
Representatives of the development group have previously expressed a desire to be annexed into Dacula due to the city's ability to swiftly respond to planning and development issues.
The development plan previously presented by the investment group features a convention center, town green, hotels, offices and apartments. If the annexation effort is successful, the developers will have to receive approval from the Dacula City Council before proceeding with those plans.
The Dacula City Council will discuss the annexation application during the June 28 work session. The council meets at Dacula City Hall, 442 Harbins Road, Dacula. The work session is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
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Scott
10:38 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
This needs a lot of attention and needs people behind the thought of blocking this. Dacula needs better planning and not just "this sounds good this month" for ways to bring more tax basis into the city. Dacula needs to develop a better master plan and develop zoning issues better. We've got parts of Dacula developing faster than business can open and close. In this economy we don't need to have the city look at ways to increase housing in a vacant area. They city needs to look at the inventory of available housing and deem how to handle vacant properties both residential and commercial.
Any development along 316 will further land lock future development of the 316 corridor. Should the city annex this are it should be for future expansion of roadway improvements and organized business development. We have enough residential area in the city. If there's somebody that wants to develop the bank owned lots in or around the city those should be considered first. Not opening up "new land" at the speculation of development for apartments.
Dacula should look at Snellville and their land use act and how Snellville handles apartment development.
How long before this deal is approved and construction started before we hear more people in or around the city of Dacula complaining? Rise up and comment before it's too late!