Annexation, Rezoning Hearing for Peak at University Parkway Project Set for Feb. 7

It has been more than a year since a property development group approached the City of Dacula with the idea of .

In June of 2012, the development group filed an application to have the property annexed into the city. Representatives of the group had previously expressed a desire to be annexed into Dacula due to the city's ability to swiftly respond to planning and development issues.

The following month, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to execute a letter and resolution objecting to the annexation citing infrastructure and fire protection among their concerns. The matter was scheduled for arbitration in September 2012, but was settled when the city and county reached an agreement just hours before the arbitration proceedings were scheduled to commence.

As a result of the agreement, the annexation was allowed to proceed contingent upon the city complying with certain specified conditions primarily related to the types of businesses to be allowed and development density. The plans also had to be reviewed by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA).

With that review now complete, the annexation and rezoning of the property are moving forward. Both issues will go before the Dacula City Council on Feb. 7.

The subject property is currently zoned for agricultural and general business uses. Walton Development and Management has requested the property be rezoned for a planned mixed use development (PMUD).

In anticipation of the request, the Dacula City Council approved revisions to its PMUD ordinance last March.

“We think it’s a good plan,” Joey Murphy, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Dacula, said when the ordinance passed. “It has the flexibility desired, but the control that’s needed by the city.”

The Project

The Peak at University development will be located adjacent to the southeast quadrant of the intersection of Winder Highway and Highway 316 and is bordered by phase two of the proposed Sugarloaf Parkway extension.

The "live, work, play" community will feature four districts:

• Main Street District - A 38-acre section which could be used for commercial, retail, office, residential and senior living. The Winder Highway entrance to the development will be included in this section.
• University Parkway District - A 19-acre area dedicated to hotel, retail, corporate office and light industrial. The concept plan shows two 12-story hotels fronting University Parkway in this section.
• Campus District - This 49-acre section would include a proposed 35,000-square-foot convention center and a large community greenspace area as well as a mix of other uses.
• Residential District - A 51-acre area of the development that could include multi-family residential, senior living, office and retail.

Representatives of the development group are expected to be in attendance at Thursday night's council meeting to give a presentation outlining plans for the project.

The Dacula City Council meets at Dacula City Hall, located at 442 Harbins Road. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

You might also be interested in reading:

• Dacula City Council Passes Revised Mixed-Use Development Ordinance
• Investment Group: ‘We’re Here for the Long Term’
• Dacula Property Eyed for Development
• Proposed Ordinance Amendments Would Pave Way for Apartments in Dacula
• Work Continues on Dacula Planned Mixed Use Ordinance Revisions