Politics & Government

City Council Gives Go Ahead on McGinnis Road Development

The 50-acre development includes 85,000 square feet of commercial space, 70 single-family homes and 124 town homes.

In its second public hearing, the Johns Creek City Council voted to approve the 50-acre development in the Shakerag area.

The undeveloped acreage fronts McGinnis Ferry and Bell roads. The city staff had approved with conditions and noted that it met the city's land use plan.

The lengthy meeting, attended by 50-60 residents, including several comments from residents of neighboring Blackstone subdivision which will be impacted by the development. They argued that the project was too dense, it would add more traffic and cause overcrowding at the schools.

In the end council approved reducing the number of single family homes from 116 to 70. Council member Brad Raffensperger's proposal to reduce the number of town homes from 124 to 100. "The density seems very high for that area," said Raffensperger. But there was no second on his motion which left the originally proposed number of 124 town homes intact.  

The City was under a time limit to approve the development due to a pending lawsuit by the land owner if plans had not been approved before the end of the year.

The project, presented by developer Warren Jolly, included 85,000 square feet of commercial space that would front McGinnis Ferry Road, single family homes and town homes. 

"Johns Creek is in dire need of this type of development that includes a diversity of housing options," said Jolly.

Neighbors met with the developer earlier who agreed to provide a 50 foot setback as a buffer between the two developments. 

The final vote was 4-2 with Figueroa and Raffensperger voting against the developer's plan.

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