The Milton City Council turned thumbs down on a controversial proposed zoning change after hearing from a parade of concerned residents.
Oak Hall Companies LLC had sought to change the site plan for a 22-acre plot at the southeast corner of Birmingham Road and Birmingham Highway to remove three commercial buildings and replace them with nine town homes.
City staffers had recommended denial of the proposed change, writing that the alteration of the proposed mix was inconsistent with the Birmingham Crossroads Plan. A number of residents told the council they agreed, citing the need for a strengthened retail mix in the area and saying that eventual use of the property for commercial purposes would be better for the city’s tax base.
A representative of the developer countered by telling the council that similar commercial space across the street from the planned development was struggling with a 35 percent vacancy rate.
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