When Isakson Living announced its plan to build a $200 million, 987-unit assisted living community in eastern Cobb County, the intention was to break ground in summer of 2014 and have the first phase of construction completed by spring 2016.
Two years later, the company operated by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson’s brother and son is still waiting on the county to decide if the facility is appropriate for the residential area off Roswell Road.
That zoning decision is likely to come Tuesday. Cobb commissioners are scheduled to vote on the project, which has since been downsized, but is still every bit as divisive.
More than 2,000 east Cobb residents have signed a petition opposing the facility. The company wants to build on 54 pristine, undeveloped acres wedged between East Cobb Park and two large subdivisions. But there is also significant support for the complex among people concerned about the lack of assisted-living facilities in the area. They say it is needed to give older residents the opportunity to stay in their community close to family, churches and shopping.
Commissioner Bob Ott, who represents the area, said he’s never seen a case like it in 15 years.
“This is, by far, the most difficult case I’ve ever dealt with because of the size, the length of time it’s been out there, and how polarized the community is between those that absolutely want it and those that no way no how want any part of it,” Ott said.
Earlier this month, the Cobb Planning Commission recommended approval of the development, but not before reducing it by 38 units — including the removal of seven large single-family homes that will sell for about $500,000 each. The planning commission also is recommending that residential buildings be kept to a maximum of two stories, instead of the three that the developer says is critical for success.
Kevin Isakson, the senator’s son, said three-story buildings help keep the complex contained and residents near the services they need. He said the company will ask county commissioners to ignore the planning commission’s recommendation and approve the most recent proposal: 481 units, including 65 large single-family homes and a 75,000-square-foot fitness center. The development also would include dining areas, community halls, art rooms, card rooms, activity spaces, a clinic and administrative offices.
In total, there would be eight buildings for apartments.
“Ultimately, the planning commission is a recommending body,” Isakson said. “We respect the time they put in. But … (county commissioners) will consider the plan we put forth.”
The plan also calls for 33 acres to remain open space with about half of that being undisturbed. About 9.5 acres will be donated to the county for expansion of the East Cobb Park.
Doug Rohan, an attorney and resident of a subdivision abutting the site, said he thinks the planning commission’s recommendation is a “good compromise” but still thinks the development would be too large for the residential community.
Rohan also said he’s concerned about BB&T Bank suing Isakson Living for $30 million in relation to a proposed development in Buckhead that has not been built. BB&T took over a loan to Isakson from Colonial Bank, which filed suit against Isakson Living for breach of contract in 2011.
Jennifer Burke, a member of Concerned Citizens of East Cobb, said another concern is the huge WellStar East Cobb Health Park that was built across Roswell Road from the site. Each project was large enough to be labeled a Development of Regional Impact, with each requiring a traffic impact study.
“The zoning laws are designed to protect the residential character of a community,” Burke said. But, she said, Isakson Living’s development “would have a tremendously negative impact on the surrounding area.”
“I don’t think two DRIs have ever been approved in one corridor, and certainly not in a residential area,” she said.
