The Roswell Planning Commission has approved preliminary plans that would allow single-family residential homes to be developed on about 20 acres inside the North Point neighborhood.
The approval and public discussion Tuesday was a followup to a meeting in February, at which point applicant Greyden Engineering asked for more time before the board made its decision.
During that heated city meeting, residents opposing the development argued the new homes would lead to too much density and congestion in the area. The development, they said, wouldn't be in line with the character of the established neighborhood. Several subdivision residents spoke against the plans; no one spoke in favor.
Developers then met with residents to discuss the project, but were not able to win over many of them.
This week’s meeting involved another hours-long discussion that included outbursts and tense moments, at times sounding more like a senate confirmation hearing then a plat approval.
A commissioner repeatedly asked a project representative if residents had been offered concessions in exchange for not speaking out in opposition of the development. In response, the representative asked what the intent of the question was, wondering if legal needed to get involved.
But the meeting moved on.
Commissioners made clear Tuesday’s vote was not necessarily an endorsement for the development but acknowledged it met planning requirements needed for approval.
The proposal has been a divisive subject for the tight-knit community.
While many residents are still opposed, two spoke in favor this time.
A lingering concern for some residents is that the entrance into the new development would be built off an existing cul-de-sac on Ridgefield Drive, opening those homes to thru traffic. They argue that construction of a new road there violates the Roswell development code.
Jennifer Friedman has lived in the subdivision since 1979, when her parents bought a home there. She went on to buy a home of her own in the neighborhood, paying a premium for one on a cul-de-sac — because she expected it to always remain one.
“My takeaway from the meeting is that the city of Roswell leans in favor of developers,” Friedman said in an email. “The city seems to be more concerned with protecting the developer's profit margins than with honoring the rights and desires of its citizens.”
The agenda item was approved four to zero. Vice Chair Chris Foley abstained from the vote.
Before final plans can go before city council, developers will still need to complete several steps including obtaining a land permit.
Greyden engineer Ralph Davia declined to comment.
