Vote No to RZ-13-008

Dear Mayor Bodker and Council Members Figueroa, Johnson, Miller, Raffensperger, Richardson, and Stewart,

            As a resident of Johns Creek, I am writing to express my deepest concern over the application for rezoning/changes in conditions/variance applications for Abbotts Bridge Mixed-Use, LLC and, respectfully request that RZ-13-008, as amended, be denied.

            The proposal, as amended and as presented to the committee on August 6, 2013, flies in the face of the Johns Creek Comprehensive Plan, and will cause direct, immediate, and long term harm to the citizens of Johns Creek in many ways, including:

Population Density Decrees Exceeded.  The amended proposal should be viewed, as with all such proposals, in light of the Comprehensive Plan.  The plan calls for population density decrees from the Ocee (Publix) shopping center moving towards the Abbotts Landing subdivision.  The proposal, as amended, would instead significantly increase the population density, well beyond what is called for in the Comprehensive Plan, irreparably damaging both quality of life and property value in the surrounding areas.  Such “zoning creep” has been shown in studies to radically change the character of a city.  This can only occur however, when cities fail to enforce regulations and ignore the cumulative and future impact on a community.

Travel Safety Issues.   The proposal, as amended would create an undue burden on the surface streets, specifically Abbotts Bridge Rd. and the surrounding area, which is overloaded as it is.  This is not just a convenience concern but also a safety concern.  The current proposal would create yet another unregulated four way stop with no turn lanes attempting ingress and egress from Abbotts Bridge Rd.

Street Buffer Handcuffs the Comprehensive Plan.  The Comprehensive Plan identifies the intersection of Jones Bridge Rd. and Abbotts Bridge Rd. as the “Gateway” to Johns Creek.  Per the Plan, these roads “are the primary routes moving traffic through the Ocee character area. Growth in Johns Creek and surrounding communities will necessitate widening of these facilities to provide four through lanes by year 2020.” (Plan, p. 11)  The requested decrees in the buffer fail to take into account any future widening of Abbotts Bridge Rd. which could, in essence, disappear altogether when this widening occurs, thus destroying the look and feel of the Gateway to Johns Creek.

            The Comprehensive Plan is a goal to be strived for, a promise and a covenant with the people of Johns Creek.  On the basis of this covenant, the citizens of Johns Creek establish roots here, improve on their homes, and embrace the community.  RZ-13-008 violates that covenant and punishes the citizens of Johns Creek.  As my elected representative, I expect you to stand up for and protect Johns Creek and its citizens from exactly this type of property developer attack on our community.

            I appreciate your time and concern, and hope that you come to the same conclusion that RZ-13-008 should be denied in the best interest of the City of Johns Creek, its citizens, and our future.

Respectfully,

Eric D. Logan