Cobb commissioners on Tuesday denied a zoning change that would have allowed a controversial assisted living facility to be built on 53 pristine acres off Roswell Road in East Cobb.
The development — which called for 481 apartment units, 65 large single-family homes and a 75,000-square-foot fitness center for a 62-and-over community — was rejected 3-2 by commissioners Bob Ott, JoAnn Birrell and Tim Lee.
About 350 people crammed into the commission chambers and filled overflow rooms where the hearing was broadcast on televisions.
Isakson Living — a company operated by U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson's brother, Andy, and son, Kevin — originally proposed a facility roughly twice the size as the development. That was two years ago, and the project was scaled back several times along the way.
Jan Barton, one of more than 2,700 residents who signed a petition against the development, said she is happy with the decision but doesn’t think the issue is settled.
“I’m cautiously optimistic, but I don’t really think this is the end,” Barton said. “The Isaksons will not give up.”
Attorney Kevin Moore, who represents Isakson Living, wasn’t available for comment after the meeting.
The company can appeal the decision to Cobb Superior Court, which requires mediation that would be led by the Ott, the commissioner who represents the area.
“There is clearly a need for senior housing in East Cobb, and I want to work with the seniors to come up with the best solution,” Ott said. “But this project was just too intense.”
Ott also said he expects the company to appeal.
The development would have included eight three-story apartment buildings, dining areas, community halls, art rooms, card rooms, activity spaces, a clinic and administrative offices. Isakson Living also would have donated 9.5 acres for an expansion of East Cobb Park.
Two weeks ago, 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 would have sold for about $500,000 each.
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