At the request of LDG Development, the DeKalb County commission tabled a rezoning request for 2.83 acres on Kensington Road across from the Kensington Marta Station just outside Avondale Estates. The developer wants to change the zoning from medium residential to high-density residential and build 244 “affordable housing” apartments.
But the project is vigorously opposed the by the Avondale Estates commission and many residents, with 55 showing up to the county’s March 27 zoning meeting. Three spoke, citing health and crime problems in LDG-related projects in Indianapolis and Austin, Tx.
They also pointed out the proposed apartments-only plan is inconsistent with the county’s Liveable Cities Initiative blueprint for mixed-use development.
“We have found two [LDG] properties with problems, but outside of that we really don’t know what their track record is,” said Sheri Locke, one of the Avondale spokespersons. “Our argument is that by just putting housing on that site, it won’t draw people to the Kensington MARTA, and it won’t spur development [of that corridor].”
LDG asked for a deferral because it also hopes to purchase additional parcels east of the original site, along Kensington and wrapping around to Memorial Drive. This would allow for construction of a long four-story complex rather than a six-story building.
The project won’t be reviewed again until July.
Preliminary pricing is $711 for a one-bedroom apartment and $962 for three beds.
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